Written by Julia Forbes, Lead Product Tester
Millions of people sleep on their stomachs, including yours truly. But because this position focuses pressure around the neck and hips, stomach sleepers have to be especially choosy when shopping for a mattress. An overly soft bed can hyperextend our spines, potentially leading to lower back pain, neck soreness, and other troubles.
Finding the best mattress for stomach sleepers is therefore a matter of prioritizing healthy spinal alignment and extra-supportive features. Resting on your tummy should be just fine if you have a suitable surface—so take a look at the top beds for stomach sleepers below.
What’s the Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers?
The Saatva Classic is at the top of my list due to its extremely supportive construction, which features two innerspring units instead of one. It also comes in three available firmness options; the Firm and Luxury Firm models should be ideal for stomach sleepers because they help to align the spine and hips.
10 Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers
- Saatva Classic – Editor’s Pick
- Helix Dawn – Best Mattress for Heavy Stomach Sleepers
- Nectar Hybrid – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- DreamCloud Original – Best Luxury Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- The WinkBed – Best Innerspring Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- Nolah Natural – Best Hypoallergenic Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Mattress Cooling Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- Emma Hybrid Comfort – Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers in a Couple
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Hybrid Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- Plank Firm – Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
My Video Review of The Best Beds for Stomach Sleepers
Compare Stomach Sleeper Mattresses 2024
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| Saatva Mattress | Helix Dawn Mattress | Nectar Hybrid Mattress | DreamCloud Original Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Nolah Natural Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Emma Hybrid Comfort | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Firmness | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options |
| Material | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Latex | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | ||||||
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime Warranty | 10-year warranty | 10-year warranty | 10-year warranty |
| Shipping | Free white glove delivery | Free shipping | Free shipping minus HI and AK | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 365 nights | 100 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 Nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights |
| Best For | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Seniors | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Couples | Back Sleepers, Couples | Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Couples, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain | Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Seniors |
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
My colleagues and I put the mattresses we feature through a series of in-person tests to evaluate how they perform and who they might be good for. This also means the products we’re picking for this list are beds we actually tested, so you have a genuine idea of what they’re like and how they serve different body types and performance needs.
As a stomach sleeper, I have a vested interest in qualities that are specifically important to fellow stomach sleepers, which accumulate to a supportive surface that’s going to keep the midsection and hips lifted for a healthy body alignment. This looks like firmer layers and highly supportive materials like coils or enhanced support systems.
What I Want to See in a Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
Coil Unit
Personally, I always gravitate towards hybrid mattresses, simply because a firmer feel and the use of coils is a winning combination for maintaining spine alignment (the most crucial aspect for stomach sleepers to keep in mind).
The exception here is the Plank Firm, but that’s because its all foam construction is so firm that it shouldn’t compromise body support. In general, though, we know that the enhanced support that coils provide make them excellent for many stomach sleepers.
Firmer Feel
You’ll find that every mattress on this has at least a medium to medium-firm feel — if not firmer. While firmness isn’t the same as support, they can impact one another. Often, stomach sleepers gravitate toward firmer beds since they won’t push through the layers as much, which would otherwise compromise their spine alignment.
Extra Support Features
A bed earns extra points from me if it builds in bonus support features, particularly for the lumbar region (also known as the lower back). For example, the Saatva Classic has a lumbar support layer, and the Euro pillow top is quilted in such a way that the firmest support is right along your midriff.
Some mattresses may have zoned coil units that vary their resistance across each zone. The idea is to match up the right amount of support to the body part above that area of the bed—the lower back might need a bracing lift, while the shoulders might need more cushioning.
Higher Profile
You’ll find that every mattress on this list has a profile at least 11 inches high. This is important because the thicker layers can also help ensure stomach sleepers don’t bottom out and that they get adequate support for their midsection and hips.
Advice from a Medical Expert
We reached out to Dr. Raj Dasgupta, a quadruple-board-certified physician with more than 20 years of experience in the medical field, to get his thoughts on what stomach sleepers should seek in a mattress.
“For stomach sleepers, a mattress needs to be just right—not too soft, not too hard. Look for something medium to medium-firm that keeps your spine aligned and supports your body evenly,” He said. “It should also relieve pressure, stay cool, and last a long time. A trial period and warranty are perks as well, just in case it’s not the perfect fit.”
The Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers
Saatva Classic – Editor’s Pick
Saatva Mattress
Coil-on-coil structure gives this elevated innerspring bed a luxurious feel and versatility.
Save up to $600 off
Material
Innerspring
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Mattress
Coil-on-coil structure gives this elevated innerspring bed a luxurious feel and versatility.
Material
Innerspring
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Mattress
Coil-on-coil structure gives this elevated innerspring bed a luxurious feel and versatility.
Material
Innerspring
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
| Mattress Type | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Firm – 7 out of 10 (Luxury Firm Model) |
| Price (Queen) | $2,095 |
| Sleep Trial | One Year |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Why the Saatva Classic Earned Editor’s Pick
The Firm and Luxury Firm models of this bed should be ideal for stomach sleepers, as they help to keep the midsection lifted for proper spine alignment.
The Saatva classic also has a superior construction when it comes to lower-back support: two unique innerspring units and a Lumbar Zone® Active Spinal Wire, neither of which you’ll find in other beds on this list.
What’s the Saatva Classic Made Of?
The Saatva Classic is available in 11.5-inch and 14.5-inch heights and three firmnesses: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm.
Dig Into the Layers
The contouring Euro pillow top has a hypoallergenic and breathable organic cotton cover. Underneath is a section of foam concentrated around the middle of the mattress for targeted lumbar support.
The bed has two coil units made of individually wrapped and interconnected coils, respectively. Within them also lies the Lumbar Zone® Active Spinal Wire, which further braces the lumbar region and promotes proper alignment.
Finally, the perimeter of the bed is bolstered by high-density foam rails.
My Take: With multiple firmness options and all these added features, I think the Saatva is a solid mattress for just about anyone. I’m an exclusive stomach sleeper, and I dig how elevated my midsection feels on this bed.
Pros & Cons
Customer Reviews of the Saatva Classic
The Saatva Classic rates 4.8 stars out of 5 on Saatva’s website. One negative aspect customers found with the Saatva Classic mattress is that it may feel too firm for some users, while a notable advantage is its high-quality materials, providing durability and support.
Want to read more? See our Saatva mattress review and check out our picks for the best mattress of 2024.
Helix Dawn – Best Mattress for Heavy Stomach Sleepers
Helix Dawn Mattress
This hybrid mattress was specifically designed for those who love a firm but contouring mattress.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Dawn Mattress
This hybrid mattress was specifically designed for those who love a firm but contouring mattress.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Dawn Mattress
This hybrid mattress was specifically designed for those who love a firm but contouring mattress.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
| Mattress Type | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Firm – 7.5 out of 10 |
| Price (Queen) | $1,373.80 |
| Sleep Trial | 100 Nights |
| Warranty | 10 Years |
Why the Helix Dawn Earned Best Mattress for Heavy Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleepers, in general, need firm and supportive mattresses to keep their lower back and hips from dipping out of alignment. This support is especially necessary for plus-size sleepers, because they’re more likely to sink into a mattress’s layers.
The Helix Dawn is a great option for heavier sleepers who regularly sleep on their stomach. It boasts highly supportive layers with a hybrid mattress construction, and was designed specifically for back and stomach sleepers.
What’s the Helix Dawn Made Of?
The Helix Dawn stands 11.5 inches tall, and it includes a mix of latex-alternative foam, other poly foams, and individually wrapped coils. You can choose between two covers: a soft, knitted cover or a GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover that helps draw heat away from the body.
Dig Into the Mattress Layers
The first layer is made of Helix’s proprietary dynamic foam, a latex foam alternative. It adds firmness to the mattress while maintaining its bouncy feel. Underneath is a layer of responsive foam, also firm, but designed for both contouring and support. Another layer of responsive foam acts as the transition layer between the above layers and the innerspring unit.
Individually wrapped coils and reinforced lengthwise edges make for a sturdy, supportive spring unit. Finally, the base of the mattress is made up of a dense foam to ensure stability and durability.
Our Take: We think the Helix Dawn is solid when it comes to support and firmness, making it an affordable option for stomach sleepers of all sizes.
Pros & Cons of the Helix Dawn
Customer Reviews of the Helix Dawn
The Helix Dawn has an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars on the Helix website. Negative reviews say that the mattress seems to get softer over time, but the majority positive reviews claim the bed is comfortable and has helped with aches and pains.
Looking to learn more? Read our Helix Dawn mattress review or check out our best mattress for larger sleepers picks.
Nectar Hybrid – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
Nectar Hybrid Mattress
The Nectar Classic Hybrid resembles the brand’s all-foam flagship model, but with the addition of pocketed coils for some added support, airflow, and versatility.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Nectar Hybrid Mattress
The Nectar Classic Hybrid resembles the brand’s all-foam flagship model, but with the addition of pocketed coils for some added support, airflow, and versatility.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Nectar Hybrid Mattress
The Nectar Classic Hybrid resembles the brand’s all-foam flagship model, but with the addition of pocketed coils for some added support, airflow, and versatility.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Price Range
$$$$$
| Mattress Type | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Medium-Firm to Firm – 6.5 to 7 out of 10 |
| Price (Queen) | $1,199 |
| Sleep Trial | One Year |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Why the Nectar Hybrid Earned Best Memory Foam Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
If you love the slow hug of memory foam but want advanced support for stomach sleeping, you’ll enjoy the Nectar Hybrid. While testing this bed in person, our review team said it felt lovely when they were lying on their bellies.
That being said, we think this bed would perform best for lightweight and average-weight stomach sleepers up to 230 pounds—it may not provide enough support for heavier sleepers.
What’s the Nectar Hybrid Made Of?
The Nectar Hybrid is a 12-inch tall mattress with 5 layers.
Check out the mattress layers
First comes the cover, a breathable polyethylene construction that’s also protected with an antimicrobial treatment. Underneath are 2 inches of plush gel memory foam that ups pressure relief and cooling.
Another inch of foam acts as a transition layer for the innerspring unit of the bed, while also contributing to motion isolation.
An 8-inch layer of individually wrapped coils comprises the spring unit. Thicker coils line the perimeter for reinforced edge support.
The base of the bed is another inch of durable foam. The bottom polyester cover has handles for ease of transfer, and also stitching to help prevent shifting.
Our Take: “I felt decently cradled on the top of the bed without feeling like I was sinking or I was becoming too stuck in the mattress.” – Stuart Petty, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
Pros & Cons of the Nectar Hybrid
Customer Review of the Nectar Hybrid
On Nectar’s website, this mattress scored a 4.7 out of 5 stars, from 341 reviews. The Nectar Hybrid mattress, favored by customers for its affordability and pressure relief, has received some complaints about off-gassing odors upon unboxing.
Want to see more information? Read our full Nectar Hybrid mattress review or check out some other mattress options on our best memory foam mattress page.
DreamCloud – Best Luxury Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Luxurious hybrid at a great price with a lifetime warranty.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Luxurious hybrid at a great price with a lifetime warranty.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Luxurious hybrid at a great price with a lifetime warranty.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
| Mattress Type | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Medium-Firm – 6.5 out of 10 |
| Price (Queen) | $1,332 |
| Sleep Trial | One Year |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Why the DreamCloud Earned Best Luxury Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
The DreamCloud is a hybrid mattress with a soft cashmere blend cover, memory foam comfort layers, and a robust coil unit.
One of our mattress testers, Stuart, noted the premium quality of the DreamCloud right at the surface: “The cashmere cover gives it a luxurious feel.” During his first-hand testing, he also felt “very supported in my hips” when lying on his stomach while the “plusher top layers help[ed] relieve pressure.”
What’s the DreamCloud Made Of?
Check out the Mattress Construction
The DreamCloud stands a mighty 14 inches tall and has seven total layers with two covers. The top cover is made of a luxurious cashmere blend.
This is followed by three types of CertiPUR-US® certified foam: a 1.5-inch cushioning layer of plush foam, a 1-inch layer of pressure-relieving gel-infused memory foam, and a 2-inch layer of transition foam.
The innerspring unit of individually wrapped coils serves as a solid support layer. Underneath is another layer of foam for extra stability.
Finally, the lower portion of the mattress is capped with a bottom cover to deter slipping.
My Take: The DreamCloud is one of my absolute favorite mattresses I’ve tested. As a stomach sleeper myself, I think its firmness and high degree of support are perfect for my needs.
Pros & Cons
Customer Reviews of the DreamCloud
The DreamCloud Original scores a solid 4.7 out of 5 stars among customers on its site. One potential downside of the DreamCloud Original mattress is its weight, making it challenging to move or rotate, but it offers excellent support and comfort for those who prefer a medium-firm feel.
Interested in more details? See our full DreamCloud mattress review or check out our best luxury mattress picks.
The WinkBed – Best Innerspring Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
WinkBed Mattress
WinkBed is a luxury hybrid bed with a variety of comfort features that should make it a versatile pick for most sleeping positions.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Mattress
WinkBed is a luxury hybrid bed with a variety of comfort features that should make it a versatile pick for most sleeping positions.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Mattress
WinkBed is a luxury hybrid bed with a variety of comfort features that should make it a versatile pick for most sleeping positions.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
| Mattress Type | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Soft – 4.5 out of 10 (Soft Model) Medium-Firm – 6 out of 10 (Luxury Firm Model) Firm – 7.5 out of 10 (Firm Model) |
| Price (Queen) | $1,799 |
| Sleep Trial | 120 Nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Why the WinkBed Earned Best Innerspring Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
The WinkBed mattress is available in three firmness options, but we feel the Luxury Firm and Firm models would be best for stomach sleepers. The innerspring unit is zoned specifically to ensure proper support in problem areas for stomach sleepers, namely the hips and lower back.
Each model also features a Euro top layer of plush, gel-infused foam to keep hot sleepers cool, which is aided by the airflow through the coils at the base.
What’s the WinkBed Made Of?
The WinkBed stands 13.5 inches tall. It has three firmness options: Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer—as well as an option for plus-sized folks, the WinkBed Plus.
Look Closer at the Mattress Layers
The WinkBed is topped with a Tencel® cover derived from Eucalyptus for an eco-conscious, breathable surface. The Euro pillow top is made of gel-infused Hypersoft foam, meant to be more cooling than typical memory foam.
Underneath some transitional foam layers is the spring unit, which has individually wrapped coils split into zones.
Zoned support offers different amounts of pushback around areas like the shoulders, hips, and back, easing up on those that are prone to pressure build-up. There are also Extra-Edge™ coils that provide a sturdier perimeter. Below the coil unit is a base layer of dense poly foam.
Our Take: “Overall, I think this is going to work out really, really well for most people. It’s a quality mattress that I think most people are really going to enjoy.” – Mark Mattei, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
Pros & Cons of the WinkBed
Customer Reviews of the Winkbed
On the WinkBeds site, the WinkBed earns a 4.8 out of 5 stars. One drawback of the WinkBed mattress is that it might be too expensive for budget-conscious shoppers, but overall it offers excellent durability and customizable firmness options.
Need more details? Check out our WinkBed review or check out our best innerspring mattress options.
Nolah Natural – Best Hypoallergenic Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
Nolah Natural Mattress
Nolah’s Natural Latex Hybrid is crafted from high-quality natural and organic materials, serving as a luxurious option for eco-friendly shoppers.
Material
Latex
Trial Period
120 Nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nolah Natural Mattress
Nolah’s Natural Latex Hybrid is crafted from high-quality natural and organic materials, serving as a luxurious option for eco-friendly shoppers.
Material
Latex
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 Nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nolah Natural Mattress
Nolah’s Natural Latex Hybrid is crafted from high-quality natural and organic materials, serving as a luxurious option for eco-friendly shoppers.
Material
Latex
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Trial Period
120 Nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
| Mattress Type | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Medium-Firm – 6 out of 10 |
| Price (Queen) | $2,099 |
| Sleep Trial | 120 Nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Why the Nolah Natural Earned Best Hypoallergenic Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
Latex is quickly gaining momentum as a more eco-friendly, bouncier, and cooler alternative to memory foam. This hybrid from Nolah combines natural Talalay latex with individually wrapped coils for incredible responsiveness, pressure relief, and support.
Allergies can easily keep sleepers up all hours of the night, but the Nolah Natural is a hypoallergenic option that’s resistant to common allergens like dirt and dust mites.
What’s the Nolah Natural Made Of?
The Nolah Natural is 11 inches thick and composed of 6 layers.
Check out the Mattress Construction
The cover is made up of a soft and breathable organic cotton. Underneath is a layer of organic wool, which is not only breathable but a natural fire retardant as well.
What follows are two Talalay latex layers. The first gives the bed its pressure-relieving ability while also maintaining bounciness. The second provides extra support and transitions into the innerspring layer below.
The 8-inch HDMax™️ Tri-Zone™️ Support Coil System should ensure the sleeper’s hips and stomach don’t sink too far into the bed, an important defense against poor spinal alignment and back pain.
Finally, the foundation layer is a mix of organic wool and cotton. The cotton bottom cover also has convenient carrying handles.
Our Take: The Nolah Natural’s eco-conscious composition and overall firmness make it a great option for stomach sleepers with allergies or environmental concerns.
Pros & Cons of the Nolah Natural
Customer Reviews of the Nolah Natural
On Nolah’s website, the Nolah Natural gets a 4.8 out of 5 stars. Customers appreciate the Nolah Natural mattress for its eco-friendly materials and pressure relief, but some have reported a minimal initial off-gassing odor upon setup.
Want more info? Read our full Nolah mattress brand review or check out our mattress pick for best allergy friendly mattresses.
Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Mattress Cooling Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
With coils and foam layers, this Bear mattress offers zoned support without taking away from the pressure-relieving properties. The bed also has copper infusions to ensure the best cooling for hot sleepers and athletes.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
With coils and foam layers, this Bear mattress offers zoned support without taking away from the pressure-relieving properties. The bed also has copper infusions to ensure the best cooling for hot sleepers and athletes.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
With coils and foam layers, this Bear mattress offers zoned support without taking away from the pressure-relieving properties. The bed also has copper infusions to ensure the best cooling for hot sleepers and athletes.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
| Mattress Type | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Medium-Firm to Firm – 6-7 out of 10 |
| Price (Queen) | $2,305 |
| Sleep Trial | 120 Nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Why the Bear Elite Hybrid Earned Best Cooling Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
The Bear Elite Hybrid comes in three firmness levels, but the Firm model is the best option for stomach sleepers—particularly those who run hot.
In addition to springs that foster airflow, the Bear Elite has a cool-to-the-touch cover and heat-conducting copper infused into its memory foam. Together, these materials should keep stomach sleepers cool and comfortable through the night.
What’s The Bear Elite Hybrid Made Of?
The Bear Elite Hybrid comes in a Firm, Medium, or Soft feel. It’s 14 inches high and has five layers including its cover. Said cover is soft and cooling thanks to its use of Phase Change Material (PCM) and Celliant fibers. PCM absorbs body heat to regulate temperature, while Celliant reportedly converts heat into infrared energy to promote muscle recovery.
Check out the mattress construction
The first layer of foam is copper-infused, providing a beneficial blend of temperature-balancing and antimicrobial protection. The second is a dynamic foam that contours, supports, and acts as a transitional piece before the coil layer.
The innerspring unit is made of individually encased coils, zoned to support the lower back. The coils also aid with pressure relief and motion isolation.
Finally, the base of the mattress is a layer of high-density support foam.
Our Take: “Another great thing about this mattress was the cooling top. The cooling was immediately noticeable as I laid down on the bed, and I’m pretty sure that it would do a good job of keeping anyone cool throughout the night.” – Stuart, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
Pros & Cons
Customer Reviews of the Bear Elite Hybrid
According to Bear’s website, the Bear Elite scores about 4.5 out of 5 stars. Some customers find the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress too firm for their liking, but it receives praise in its reviews for its advanced cooling technology and pressure relief.
Need more details? Check out our Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review or explore the best cooling mattresses.
Emma Hybrid Comfort – Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers in a Couple
Emma Hybrid Comfort
With three foam layers for comfort and a zoned innerspring unit, this hybrid mattress from Emma can support sleepers of all shapes and sizes.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Emma Hybrid Comfort
With three foam layers for comfort and a zoned innerspring unit, this hybrid mattress from Emma can support sleepers of all shapes and sizes.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Emma Hybrid Comfort
With three foam layers for comfort and a zoned innerspring unit, this hybrid mattress from Emma can support sleepers of all shapes and sizes.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 7/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
| Mattress Type | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Firm – 7 out of 10 |
| Price (Queen) | $1,319 |
| Sleep Trial | One Year |
| Warranty | 10 Years |
Why the Emma Hybrid Comfort Earned Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers in a Couple
The Emma Hybrid Comfort was developed around a certain set of needs, including those of couples and larger people. As such, it’s a firm-yet-welcoming bed with an ideal line of features for partners who are also stomach sleepers. Its durable base foam and individually wrapped springs ensure that stomach sleepers who share a bed will get comprehensive support as well as motion isolation.
What’s the Emma Hybrid Comfort Made Of?
The Emma Hybrid Comfort is 13 inches tall and made up of 6 different layers.
Dig Into The Mattress Construction
First, a breathable cover followed by a layer of open-celled Airgocell® foam keeps the surface of the Emma Hybrid Comfort from accumulating warmth. Next comes two layers of foam: a cool memory foam layer to isolate motion and a more durable HRX foam to add support.
The innerspring unit in this mattress is zoned in seven different ways to stave off aches and pains throughout the body.
The individually wrapped coils should also give this bed plenty of bounciness. Finally, the bed sits on a sturdy and durable foundation, and the bottom is encased in a lower cover to help mitigate slippage.
My Take: I found the Emma Hybrid Comfort to be super firm during testing, so most stomach sleepers should feel their spines are properly aligned.
Pros & Cons of the Emma Hybrid Comfort?
Customer Reviews of the Emma Hybrid
This is a fairly new mattress, so Emma’s site doesn’t have many reviews yet, but early customers already rate it an impressive 5 out of 5 stars. So far customers appreciate the Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress for its excellent motion isolation, but some have reported that it may have a slight initial off-gassing odor upon unboxing.
Want to see more information? Check out our full Emma Hybrid Comfort review or more options on our best mattress for couples page.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Hybrid Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is priced similarly to other bed-in-the-box options, it represents a fantastic value in the hybrid market.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is priced similarly to other bed-in-the-box options, it represents a fantastic value in the hybrid market.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is priced similarly to other bed-in-the-box options, it represents a fantastic value in the hybrid market.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
| Mattress Type | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Soft – 4 out of 10 (Soft Model) Medium-Firm – 5 out of 10 (Medium Model) Firm – 8 out of 10 (Firm Model) |
| Price (Queen) | $1,332 |
| Sleep Trial | 120 Nights |
| Warranty | 10 Years |
Why the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Earned Best Hybrid for Stomach Sleepers
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid comes in three firmness options, but it’s their Firm model that we think could shine for stomach sleepers, giving them plenty of lift around the midsection to prevent lower back pain.
We also love the top-notch edge support in this bed, which lets sleepers spread out over the entire surface area of the bed. According to Emma, who tested the mattress, “I can lay right on the edge without feeling like I’m going to fall out.”
What’s the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Made Of?
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is composed of five layers stacking up to 11.5 inches tall. You can choose from Soft, Medium, or Firm feels. Since we recommend the Firm for stomach sleepers, we’ll describe its construction specifically.
Take a Closer Look at the Mattress Layers
On top is a 1.5-inch breathable, tightly quilted top designed to resist body impressions. For an extra fee, you can add a GlacioTex™ cooling pillow top. Underneath is a 1-inch layer of responsive foam.
Then, a 2-inch VariFlex™ foam layer lets you compress into the mattress without sinking into it, and acts as the transitional layer between the upper mattress and the spring unit.
Individually encased coils give the bed its bounciness as well as motion-dampening capabilities. Specially designed Ascension® coils line the perimeter for stronger edges. These springs sit atop a 0.25-inch sturdy base.
Our Take: “I like how firm this bed feels. It’s very supportive, which is great for back and stomach sleepers. It almost feels like the bed is lifting me up.” – Emma Mattei, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
Pros & Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Customer Reviews of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
On Brooklyn Bedding’s website, the Brooklyn Signature has 4.7 out of 5 stars. The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress receives praise from customers for its versatility with different firmness options, but some have mentioned that it may produce slight noise when bearing weight.
Need more details? Check out our Signature Hybrid review or for mattress options check out our best hybrid mattress picks.
Plank Firm – Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Those in the market for a Firm bed now have a dual-sided choice to see what they require to sleep well-supported and comfortable in Plank Firm, a new product from Brooklyn Bedding.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Those in the market for a Firm bed now have a dual-sided choice to see what they require to sleep well-supported and comfortable in Plank Firm, a new product from Brooklyn Bedding.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Those in the market for a Firm bed now have a dual-sided choice to see what they require to sleep well-supported and comfortable in Plank Firm, a new product from Brooklyn Bedding.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
| Mattress Type | Foam |
| Firmness | Firm – 7.5-8 out of 10 (Firm Side) Extra-Firm – 9 out of 10 (Ultra-Firm Side) |
| Price (Queen) | $1,332 |
| Sleep Trial | 120 Nights |
| Warranty | 10 Years |
Why the Plank Firm Earned Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleepers already tend to gravitate towards firmer beds, but if you’re looking for something exceptionally hard, the Plank Firm is a great choice.
The Plank Firm is a dual-sided mattress boasting two separate firmness levels. On one side, you have the Firm option, and on the other side is the Ultra-Firm feel. Beds this firm should also appeal to larger individuals, as the durable layers will help prevent their midsections from sinking too far into the bed.
What’s the Plank Firm Made Of?
The Plank Firm totals up to four layers and 9.5 inches of thickness. It’s flippable, so it has a core in between two distinct sides: Firm and Extra Firm.
Dig Into the Mattress Construction
The core is made of 6 inches of high-density foam. The Extra Firm side has a 0.75-inch quilted layer, continuously stitched so there’s absolutely no cushion to it. The Firm side, on the other hand, has tack-and-jump stitching in its 0.75-inch quilted layer to permit some (but not a lot) of loft. Underneath is a 2-inch layer of TitanFlex™ foam, which aids in responsiveness.
For an extra fee, you can add a cooling GlacioTex™ cover to each side of the bed for temperature regulation.
My Take: The Plank Firm lives up to its name, and this firmness should give stomach sleepers the bolstering support they need.
Pros & Cons of the Plank Firm
Customer Reviews of the Plank Firm
On Plank’s website, the Plank Firm gets 4.8 out of 5 stars. Customers appreciate the Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm mattress for its exceptional firmness, but some have found it to be too rigid for their comfort preferences.
Need more details? Check out our Plank Firm mattress review or explore our best firm mattress options.
Other Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers
While these mattresses didn’t make our list, each of these beds could still be a great fit for a stomach sleeper. Check them out if you want even more options.
| Tempur-Pedic Lux Adapt | Latex for Less Organic Mattress |
| Serta Perfect Sleeper Mattress | PlushBeds Botanical Bliss |
| Casper Original | Leesa Original |
How We Test Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers
At Sleep Advisor, we evaluate beds using in-person tests across a variety of performance categories, including pressure relief, edge support, cooling, and more. I’m a lead product tester for the site, so I’ve tested many, many mattresses first-hand. (That’s me in the photos below!)
For this roundup, our team tested a large array of mattresses and scouted for features that are especially important for stomach sleepers: strong coils, a high firmness level, and a tall profile, to name a few.
As a stomach sleeper myself, I know how critical these elements are to a good night’s sleep. In the sections below, we’ll cover why they (and other aspects) make such a big difference in comfort, and how exactly we put them to the test.
Type of Mattress
I recommend hybrid mattresses for stomach sleepers. They’re the best at balancing pressure relief with lots of underlying support, and they’re available in a wide variety of firmness levels.
Here’s a quick refresher on how the main kinds of mattresses differ from one another:
Hybrid Mattresses
A hybrid mattress has an innerspring core (typically with “pocketed” or “individually wrapped” coils) and multiple foam layers on top for comfort. Hybrids are considered an ideal solution for sleepers who want the benefits of both foam and innerspring beds without their respective drawbacks.
Latex Mattress
A latex mattress is one that incorporates natural latex foam anywhere in its construction. Latex mattresses can therefore also be hybrid mattresses, if the latex foam layer sits above a spring unit. Latex foam is springy as well as pressure-relieving, and although it’s expensive, its botanical origins appeal to eco-friendly shoppers.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam is a synthetic material that closely contours your shape, which is why it excels at pressure relief but may not offer superior support. Memory foam mattresses can also struggle with heat retention.
Innerspring Mattresses
A traditional innerspring mattress contains a coil unit with interconnected springs and a thin comfort layer on top. They’re considered somewhat outdated now, because they don’t boast very good motion isolation, tend to sag over time, and don’t feel especially cozy at the surface.
How Do We Test It?
Manufacturers will tell you outright what type of mattress you’re getting. For this roundup, even before we analyzed our in-depth testing results, we only considered hybrid beds with at least two foam comfort layers up top and relatively high-count, low-gauge coil units.
Zoned Support
Support should be a top priority for a stomach sleeper, and zoned support is ideal for this demographic.
The chief goal of support is healthy, neutral spine alignment. When lying on your stomach, your spine should look and feel as though it’s positioned in an even, straight line from your head to your legs.
Zoned support refers to support layers of mattress (whether they’re made of coils or foam) that have been divided into different “zones.” Each zone provides a different level of resistance to better serve the part of the body above it. So, for example, your back and your legs may receive slightly different degrees of pushback to achieve that coveted spinal alignment.
Stomach sleepers need lots of support around the hips and lower back. Without enough lift beneath those areas, your lumbar spine may sink into the mattress enough to misalign your spine and cause back pain.
How Do We Test for Mattress Zoned Support?
We test support in a given mattress by lying and moving around the bed, taking photos in these positions, and recording our experience (across multiple testers) of the mattress’s support system.
As a stomach sleeper, I ask myself: do my hips and lower back feel lifted enough to keep my spine aligned? If there’s zoned support in the bed, can I feel the difference in support across the zones, and is it working as intended?
I then compare notes with other testers, and we agree on a rating from 1 to 5 in the “Support” performance category.
Firmness
Stomach sleepers should use a medium-firm or firm mattress. These are generally more supportive and more likely to keep the spine in proper alignment, so you’re unlikely to wake up with back pain.
Medium-firm beds have the most versatile firmness level, in that they can work for a range of sleeping positions and comfort preferences. If you share your bed, skewing medium-firm may be the best way to please both parties. But if you’re a stomach sleeper, you do have to be careful not to select a bed that’s too soft.
How Do We Mattress Firmness?
My fellow testers and I will lie on a bed and assign it a firmness level between 1 and 10. Ten signifies a bed that’s as hard as the floor; 1 means the bed is pretty much a cotton ball. Because we’ve tested so many beds, we’re able to mentally compare firmness levels and designate some mattresses as quite firm, quite soft, etc.
If a mattress is between 5 and 7, we classify it as medium-firm, whereas beds with a rating of 7 and above are solidly firm.
In my opinion, stomach sleepers should look for a mattress that’s at least a 6 on the firmness scale. Anything less than a 5 will probably be too soft and lead to troublesome sinkage.
That being said, it’s important to note that firmness is subjective. People with different body types will probably not assign a bed the exact same firmness level.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief comes from materials that conform to the shape of your body, thereby absorbing the pressure you exert rather than allowing it to build up around sensitive spots.
Pay attention to the areas that experience the highest amount of pressure while you’re lying down. These are often the “sharper” joints on your body. For stomach sleepers, they’re typically your head (or the side of your face), your chest, your hips, and your knees. You’ll want to feel well-cushioned around these spots, with no signs of soreness after an extended length of time on the bed.
Overall, stomach sleepers should seek a bit of contouring and pressure relief, but keep in mind that too much may lead to sinkage and back pain. You want enough pressure relief to feel comfortable—but support should take priority.
How Do We Test For Pressure Relief?
To test a mattress’s pressure-relieving prowess, we use what’s called a pressure map. First, we take a big rectangular plastic sheet and place it on the mattress before lying down on top of it. The sheet is connected to a machine that will give us a visual, color-coded pressure reading—the pressure map.
These maps look like the rough shape of your body, gridded out and filled in with different colors. Blue indicates contact, but with almost no pressure. Green indicates slight pressure, but at a normal, non-worrying level. Anything on the yellow-to-red spectrum indicates that more pressure is being exerted.
Mattresses that are exceptionally good at pressure relief will yield a pressure map colored exclusively (or almost exclusively) in blue and green. On the other hand, a pressure map showing a fair amount of yellow, orange, or red means the bed doesn’t do so well in this category.
For each mattress, we decide on a pressure-relief rating between 1 and 5.
Weight and Body Type
Your body weight and body type both influence how a mattress feels to you. For example, a plus-sized person will usually experience a given mattress as softer than a lightweight person. This is because your weight determines how deeply you sink into a bed’s layers.
Why Does Body Weight Matter for Stomach Sleepers?
Sleeping on your stomach arguably puts more strain on your body than other sleeping positions. Your hips and lower back want to press down into the bed, and you also have to turn your neck so you can rest your face on your pillow (unless you sleep face-down, but that usually interferes with breathing).
Petite Stomach Sleepers
Lightweight stomach sleepers may feel supported enough by a mattress with a lower firmness rating, perhaps around a 5 to a 7. They’re able to stay elevated on top of the layers and may require more pressure relief than an average-sized stomach sleeper.
Average-Weight Stomach Sleepers
If you’re an average-weight person who sleeps on your stomach, you’ll want a bed that feels pretty firm—probably a 6-8 or so on our scale.
Heavy Stomach Sleepers
Heavy people require very firm, strong mattresses, and stomach sleepers will want the firmest beds of all. I’d advise looking at beds that are a 7 or above on our firmness scale, as well as keeping an eye out for those with zoned support and other features designed for larger bodies.
How Do We Test It?
When testing a mattress, we want to know how it feels for different body types. So, we always have at least three people work with each bed: one lightweight person (less than 130 pounds), one average-weight person (130-230 pounds), and one heavy person (more than 230 pounds).
We collect feedback from each tester so that we can confidently say which body types enjoyed the bed, and which found it lacking.
Additional Comfort Factors We Consider
When we test mattresses, we want to be thorough. We always measure each bed’s performance in a variety of comfort categories, including cooling, edge support, and how well it meets the needs of couples. These metrics don’t necessarily make a bed better or worse for stomach sleeping, but they can affect whether you get a good night’s sleep more generally.
Cooling
Staying cool throughout the night helps promote restorative sleep. Although keeping your bedroom cool is a great way to start, your bed can have beneficial cooling properties as well.
Stomach sleepers may find themselves sleeping hot because a large percentage of their bodies is in contact with the bed, especially when compared to side sleepers.
Fortunately, the beds that offer the kind of support that stomach sleepers need also tend to have standout cooling elements. Hybrid beds can offer both great support and breathability, as air flows freely between their coils.
How Do We Test Cooling Capabilities in a Mattress?
We test a bed’s cooling capability by using a temperature gun. First, we’ll take a reading of the bed surface’s initial temperature. Then, one of us will lie on the bed for five minutes.
Once they get up, we’ll take another temperature reading, which will inevitably be hotter than the first (because someone was just warming the bed with their body heat). Finally, the person will lie on the bed for another five minutes, and we’ll then take a third reading to see how much the bed’s temperature has changed.
Beds with a big rise in temperature during this process aren’t very efficient at cooling, whereas those that keep the temperature relatively static earn a higher rating in this category (and a spot on our list of the best cooling mattresses).
Edge Support
Edge support refers to the strength of the mattress’s sides, and how well they resist buckling when weight is applied. This is particularly pertinent if you share a bed or simply prefer to sleep towards the edge. Additionally, good edge support helps you get into and out of bed more easily.
How Do We Test Edge Support?
We test edge support by both sitting and lying right at the edge of the bed for at least one minute. We take notes on how much the edges sink and how stable we feel in either position. Then, we give the bed a rating in this category between 1 and 5.
Suitability for Couples
What makes a mattress good for couples? One key factor is motion Isolation.
If your co-sleeper is restless, the motion they create can disrupt your rest. Mattresses that isolate motion can prevent movement from traveling across their surfaces.
Other factors to consider include the bed’s size (the larger the better!), its edge support (strong edges equal more space to spread out!), and the versatility of its firmness level. Medium-firm beds are more likely to satisfy people with different comfort preferences.
Seniors looking for a supportive mattress should check out our Best Mattresses for Seniors.
How Do We Test It?
In addition to testing a mattress’s edge support (described in the previous section), we also test its motion isolation. We use a seismograph tool to visualize the degree to which disturbances carry across the surface of the bed. Large spikes in the resulting readout mean there was lots of motion. On the other hand, a flatter line indicates that much of the motion was absorbed.
We also have testers lie next to each other on the mattress while one of them moves around (or even jumps into bed). This practice allows us to take notes on someone’s actual experience of motion transfer, or lack thereof.
Pros and Cons of Sleeping on Your Stomach
What Is the Worst Mattress for Stomach Sleepers?
The worst mattress for stomach sleepers is a bed that’s too soft and unsupportive. As I stated earlier, firmness and support are not synonymous in the mattress world, but they are often related. We typically find that firmer beds are more supportive than their plush counterparts.
As a stomach sleeper, I tend to avoid all-foam mattresses. Although there are some exceptions, such as the Plank Firm — the only all-foam mattress to make the list of the best beds for stomach sleepers — the contouring nature of memory foam usually doesn’t allow enough pushback. This can lead to stomach sleepers barreling through the upper layers until their back is in an uncomfortable U-shape.
Although hybrids, which typically use coils in their construction, are my top mattress type for stomach sleepers, I would caution my fellow front-siders to stay away from innerspring mattresses. This type of bed tends to sag over time, which could lead to less support around the midsection, potentially resulting in back pain and other issues.
Does Your Pillow Matter When Stomach Sleeping?
Yes, finding the right pillow as a stomach sleeper can help with both comfort and spine alignment.
Unless there’s a hole in your mattress, you probably turn your head to the side while lying on your stomach. This already puts some amount of strain on your neck, and using a pillow that’s too tall could add to it by causing your head and neck to arch upward.
Stomach sleepers should therefore use a relatively flat pillow. Some people may even prefer to use no pillow at all.
Additionally, it may be helpful to sleep with a pillow under your pelvis and hips, as this added support can help keep your spine aligned.1
Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers FAQs
What’s the best sleeping position?
Health experts generally recommend sleeping on your back if possible, as it encourages proper spinal alignment and relieves pressure on your joints. However, it can exacerbate snoring.
Side sleeping puts extra pressure on the shoulders and hips, but it’s probably the most popular sleeping position for adults. Sleeping on your side can help reduce snoring and is especially recommended for pregnant women.2
Stomach sleeping isn’t exactly recommended, as it can put strain on the neck and lower back. However, for many people, it’s the most comfortable way to sleep.
What’s the best mattress firmness for stomach sleepers?
Stomach sleepers should find a firm mattress more comfortable than a soft one. This is because a firm bed can provide more support for the body, preventing your hips from dipping and throwing off your spinal alignment.
Should I avoid sleeping on my stomach?
Sleeping on your stomach isn’t recommended due to the pressure it puts on the low back and neck. But, if you can’t seem to switch to a different sleeping position, there are ways to reduce these risks—chiefly, using a mattress that has enough firmness and support to preserve your spine’s natural alignment.
Read more: Why Sleeping on Your Stomach is Bad
What’s the best type of mattress for stomach sleepers?
Hybrid mattresses are generally the best kind of bed for stomach sleepers. They have comfort layers made of foam on top for pressure relief, and coil units at the base for strong support. They’re also often available in multiple firmness levels so that you can choose one that’s firm enough to lift up your lower back and hips.
Performance Ratings of the Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers
| Mattress | Price (Queen Size) | Pressure Relief | Support | Motion Transfer | Cooling | Bounce | Edge Support | Couples |
| Saatva Classic | $2,095 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Helix Dawn | $1,373.80 | 3.5 | 5 | 3.5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Nectar Hybrid | $1,199 | 4.5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 3 |
| DreamCloud Original | $1,332 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| WinkBed | $1,799 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4.5 | 4 |
| Nolah Natural | $2,099 | 5 | 4.5 | 2 | 4.5 | 5 | 4 | 3.5 |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | $2,305 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Emma Hybrid Comfort | $1,319 | 4 | 5 | 3.5 | 4 | 4 | 3.5 | 4 |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | $1,332 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 |
| Plank Firm | $1,332 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 |
Julia Forbes
Lead Product Tester
About Author
Julia is the Lead Reviewer at Sleep Advisor, specializing in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.
Stomach Sleeper
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach
References:
- “Slide show: Sleeping positions that reduce back pain.” Mayo Clinic. Webpage accessed July 18, 2023.
- Howland, Jason. “Mayo Clinic Minute: What is the best sleeping position?”. Mayo Clinic. 2023.