- We spent over 1,000 hours researching and testing the top mattresses for stomach sleepers on the market and consulting with 21 sleep experts to compile our recommendations.
- Our testers evaluated over 100 models and recorded our findings on a 42-question standardized testing form to identify standout features and services, document issues with each product, and describe our personal experience lying on each mattress.
- We paid close attention to specific considerations that stomach sleepers of all ages seek, as identified by respondents in our survey of 600 mattress owners. This included price, features, and the set-up process.
- Based on our survey results and information collected during research and expert interviews, we’ve found that stomach sleepers are looking for a mattress that offers enough support to lift their hips and maintain a neutral spine.
Learn more about how we tested mattresses for stomach sleepers.
Key takeaways
- The Saatva Classic is our pick for the best mattress for stomach sleepers because it provides exceptional support for the hips, while bouncing back quickly after compression to contour to the hips and aid ease of movement.
- Based on over 1,000 hours of testing and our survey of 600 mattress owners, we found that stomach sleepers need a mattress with strong support under the hips to maintain a neutral spine, while contouring to and cushioning pressure points to prevent pain.
- Mattresses for side sleepers can cost around $650 to over $3,900, depending on size, construction, and materials.
When it’s time to go to bed, people typically settle into their go-to sleeping position. But your favorite position can actually impact how well you sleep, and if you don’t have the right sleeping surface for your specific body type and sleeping style, you might find yourself tossing and turning. Poor sleep can lead to health issues, including heart problems, an increased risk of obesity, impaired judgment and cognition, and depression. While you should always consult your health care provider if you’re experiencing pain, finding a mattress designed for your sleeping position may help you sleep better.
While side sleepers fare best on mattresses that provide contouring and pressure relief, back sleepers may prefer a firmer mattress to support their spine. Stomach sleepers, on the other hand, face the potential for back and neck pain and spinal misalignment. The best mattress for stomach sleepers has enough support to keep the hips properly elevated, which helps ensure a neutral spine.
Our team of researchers and testers spent many hours investigating and evaluating some of the best mattresses to determine which options are ideal for stomach sleepers. Continue reading to discover our insights.
9 best mattresses for stomach sleepers of 2024
- Saatva Classic: Best mattress for stomach sleepers overall
- Helix Dawn: Best mattress for higher-weight stomach sleepers
- Nectar Hybrid: Best soft mattress for stomach sleepers
- The WinkBed: Best mattress for stomach sleepers with back pain
- Plank Firm: Best firm mattress for stomach sleepers
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid: Best budget mattress for stomach sleepers
- Bear Elite Hybrid: Best luxury mattress for stomach sleepers
- Birch Natural: Best eco-friendly mattress for stomach sleepers
- Nolah Evolution: Best mattress for combination stomach sleepers
What to look for in a mattress for stomach sleepers
- Support: A mattress for a stomach sleeper should offer enough support in the midsection to prevent the hips from sinking into the mattress. Without this firmness, the spine can’t remain aligned and sleepers may experience lower back, neck, and shoulder pain.
- Responsiveness: A responsive mattress bounces back after compression, filling in the space quickly to contour to hips and provide pressure relief. While mattresses for stomach sleepers are usually firm, they shouldn’t be so firm that they don’t respond to the sleeper’s movements.
- Comfort: A medium-firm to firm mattress can still have a comfortable, luxury feel that balances out the firm support. Look for mattresses with layers of comfort foam or a quilted cover that gently hugs the body without allowing it to sink into the mattress.
Saatva Classic: Best mattress for stomach sleepers overall
Why the Saatva Classic is our pick for best overall
The Saatva Classic shines in support, which is especially important for stomach sleepers. During testing, we discovered that the top layer of memory foam bounced back into place almost immediately and provided good hip contouring. However, the deeper layers of coils provided firm support, ensuring the hips didn’t dip too much while sleeping on the stomach.
Who should consider the Saatva Classic: Because this mattress is responsive and bounces back quickly, it is a great option for combination sleepers who change positions at night.
Who should consider other options: During testing, we found 7 out of 10 was an accurate firmness rating for the Saatva Classic, which will be too firm for lightweight sleepers.
Saatva Classic tester insights
The Saatva Classic offers adaptability by catering to different sleeping positions, and we found it easy to switch positions, making it great for combination sleepers People who sleep in multiple positions throughout the night. For example, a person might be a back-and-side sleeper or a stomach-and-back sleeper. . The top layer of memory foam provides a cushiony feeling with just the right amount of sinkage While some softer mattresses offer good contouring sinkage, sinkage is also a result of wear and tear. Foam materials especially sink over time, resulting in a sagging feeling, which provides less support. for stomach sleepers.
From one of our Saatva testers:
“The Saatva Classic is very responsive to movement, and it’s easy to switch positions. It’s supportive, and my spine doesn’t dip when I sleep on my stomach.”
While the Saatva Classic is technically a hybrid, it has an innerspring mattress feel. While its plush pillow top is made from organic cotton, the bed’s deeper layers contain a section of foam for lumbar support and a series of interconnected coils. It comes in three different levels of firmness: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. We specifically tested the Luxury Firm model and found it offered great mid-section support, ensuring a neutral spine position.
Despite the initial layers of memory foam, this mattress has a nice bouncy feel, which is typical of most innerspring mattresses. Our testers said they felt most comfortable sleeping on their stomachs.0 with this mattress, but it’s also suitable for combination sleepers since it provides bounce, which helps propel movement.
Although it offers great edge support Edge support is the bed’s strength and stability around the perimeter. for those who splay out on the bed, or for couples sharing a mattress, it scored low for motion isolation. This means that if you sleep with a partner, you’ll more likely feel their movements during the night, which can be disruptive.
To learn more about these mattresses, read our Saatva review.
Helix Dawn: Best mattress for higher-weight stomach sleepers
Why the Helix Dawn is our pick for best for higher weight sleepers
During testing the Helix Dawn offered consistent support through all of its layers with little to no sinkage. This mattress’s extra support and firmness is ideal for higher-weight stomach sleepers.
Who should consider the Helix Dawn: Because this mattress has added cooling capabilities, it is a good choice for those more sensitive to heat.
Who should consider other options: If you are a light sleeper sharing a bed with a partner, child, or pet, this mattress may not be a good fit due to its bouncy latex foam layer and poor motion isolation.
Helix Dawn tester insights
As one of the firmer mattresses on this list, the Helix Dawn provided good support during testing and may be an ideal choice for higher-weight sleepers (above 250 pounds). Average-weight (130–250 pounds) stomach sleepers would likely do well with this mattress as well, but we don’t recommend it for lighter-weight sleepers since it may be too firm.
From one of our Helix Dawn testers:
“This mattress offers a perfect balance of firmness, support, and pressure relief for back and stomach sleepers.”
The Helix Dawn is a hybrid mattress made with five layers that combine different types of foam and innerspring coils. The top layer of the mattress is made with the brand’s proprietary Helix Dynamic Foam, which is a latex alternative. The following two layers are made from traditional polyurethane foam that’s designed to offer responsiveness and contouring. The fourth layer comprises 1,000 individually wrapped coils, while the final layer of the brand’s “Dura Dense” foam provides the stability and support the mattress needs to stay in place.
An added bonus of Helix mattresses is that they are constructed without fiberglass. Fiberglass has been known to irritate the eyes and skin and may even lead to lung disease. It’s often included as a fire retardant, so instead, Helix uses a chemical-free layer of Rayon fiber for this purpose. Learn more about this mattress in our Helix review.
Nectar Hybrid: Best soft mattress for stomach sleepers
Why the Nectar Hybrid is our pick for best soft mattress
The Nectar Hybrid offers the cushiony, sinking feeling typical with many memory foam mattresses while still providing enough support for stomach sleepers to maintain a neutral spine position.
Who should consider the Nectar Hybrid: This mattress’s motion isolation makes it a good choice for lighter sleepers who share a bed with a partner or pet.
Who should consider other options: Since this mattress isn’t very bouncy or responsive, sleepers with mobility limitations or chronic pain may find it difficult to move or change positions.
Nectar Hybrid tester insights
While not technically a “soft” mattress, we love the medium-firm Nectar Hybrid for stomach sleepers because it offers the traditional cushiony feeling of a memory foam mattress with the added support of coils for stomach sleepers. Stomach sleepers looking to feel a little less “on top” of their mattress may enjoy the sinkage this mattress provides.
From one of our Nectar Hybrid testers:
“The stomach position feels good, and I feel a very, very gentle cradle from the mattress. It’s a very traditional memory foam feel but the springs certainly help combat the slow-responding memory foam.”
The Nectar Hybrid is a softer mattress for stomach sleepers (it scored 6.5 out of 10 for firmness), but it certainly doesn’t lack in support. Despite the slight sinkage, our testers still felt like they were sleeping on top of the mattress, which is key for stomach sleepers. Testers felt their weight was evenly distributed over the mattress’s top, and they felt their spine was supported in a neutral position.
The Nectar Hybrid is 12 inches tall and has five layers that offer a good balance of softness, support, and firmness. It’s made with a mix of gel foam, polyurethane foam, and a layer of innerspring coils. The gel layer is designed to help keep things cool, and our testers confirmed they noticed a cooling sensation when they lay on the mattress.
Read our Nectar mattress review to learn more.
The WinkBed: Best mattress for stomach sleepers with back pain
Why The WinkBed is our pick for sleepers with back pain
The WinkBed Luxury Firm offers a zoned support system that tested high for pressure relief in the lower back. Our testers noted minimal pressure while sleeping on the mattress, which may help prevent spinal issues for stomach sleepers.
Who should consider the WinkBed: Because this mattress has a comfort level rating of 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, we think it would be a great fit for stomach sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds.
Who should consider other options: Sleepers weighing more than 250 pounds should look for a firmer mattress that can support their hips to maintain a neutral spine.
The WinkBed tester insights
While WinkBed’s Luxury Firm model is marketed as the brand’s firmest model, we rated it 6.5 out of 10 in firmness, which is the industry standard for medium. Compared to other firm mattresses we’ve tested, it provided a more hug-like feel during testing. Despite the slight sinkage, our testers said they felt good pressure relief.
From one of our WinkBed testers:
“I felt an ‘on-top’ feel, but there was definitely contour and cradle, and it was firmer as I sunk in slightly.”
The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress featuring five layers made from a combination of cooling gel foam and individually wrapped coils. The bed also features a peripheral layer of coils around its core that are designed to offer additional edge support. It features what the brand calls a “ Euro-top A kind of pillow top that’s sewn into the cover of the mattress. This style is flush with the edges of the mattress, providing better support than your typical pillow-top mattress while also offering a soft, plushy center. ” pillow top that’s wrapped in an eco-friendly cover made out of eucalyptus. The eucalyptus cover is designed to wick away moisture and heat. When our testers felt the cover, they agreed it was soft and cool to the touch and gave it a four out of five for cooling.
We also love that the springs in the mattress’s core are specifically zoned to support certain areas like the hips, which is an important highlight for stomach sleepers. Despite being the company’s firmest mattress, the Luxury Firm model provided contouring, offering a bit more sinkage than other firmer mattresses.
Plank Firm: Best firm mattress for stomach sleepers
Why Plank Firm is our pick for best firm mattress
The Plank Firm stays true to its name by offering two firmness levels in one mattress: Firm and Extra-Firm. This is great for stomach sleepers who need a high level of support. We love that sleepers can simply flip the mattress to find the firmness level that works best for them.
Who should consider the Plank Firm: Because this mattress has one side that has a firmness level of 9 out of 10, we think it is the perfect choice for higher weight people who prefer to sleep on their stomach.
Who should consider other options: Sleepers sharing a bed with someone who prefers a medium-firm or softer mattress will find this mattress is much too firm to accommodate their partner.
Plank Firm tester insights
The Plank Firm may be an appealing choice for stomach sleepers who need support for their spine, hips, and lower back. It’s also a great option for stomach sleepers weighing over 250 pounds, specifically on the Firm side since it’s firm enough to support higher weights.
From one of our Plank Firm testers:
“You can find your comfort just by flipping the mattress. Both sides offer firm sleeping surfaces for people who need it for pain or better sleep.”
The Plank Firm is a dual-sided mattress that allows users to flip it to a Firm or Extra-Firm side depending on their preference. But since both sides are considerably firm, stomach sleepers will have multiple options.
The mattress is just over 10 inches tall and is made up of two layers of foam in between a quilted top and bottom. The extra firm side has a .75-inch layer of response foam on top, and the firm side is topped with a 1.25-inch layer of response foam, providing slightly more give. The company uses its patented TitanFlex foam as its core, which they describe as “hyper elastic.” Similar to other memory foam mattresses, the Plank Firm is designed to contour to the body’s curves, albeit with a much higher level of responsiveness.
The mattress is not technically cooling, but it does feature an optional GlacioTex Cooling Cover, which can be added to both sides of the mattress at an extra cost.
To learn more, read our Plank Firm mattress review.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid: Best budget mattress for stomach sleepers
Why Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is our pick for best budget mattress
We like the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid because it’s a great option for stomach sleepers on a budget and also provides another softer option. While most mattresses designed for stomach sleepers tend to be firm, this one provided good pressure relief and support during testing.
Who should consider the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid: During testing, we observed good pressure relief that would be comfortable for someone prone to joint pain.
Who should consider other options: Because this mattress only provides average edge support, we don’t recommend it to someone who needs a strong perimeter to get out of bed due to mobility issues.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid tester insights
Prices start at $665 for a twin, making this the most affordable mattress on our list. Plus, since online mattress brands often run discounts, you can get this mattress for even less during holidays and shopping events.
Even though this mattress provides a bit of extra cushioning, our testers said their hips stayed lifted and their spine maintained a neutral position.
From one of our Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid testers:
“It’s like I’m sleeping on top of this mattress yet also sinking into the quilted top. It feels like a hammock-in a good way.”
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid contains five layers and is made from a combination of foam and coils. While we tested the Medium version of this model, the mattress comes in two other firmness levels: Soft and Firm.
The Soft and Medium mattresses both feature a 1.5-inch quilted pillow top that’s made to wick moisture away from the body. That layer is followed by two layers of foam, which we found provided contouring and support, followed by a layer of individually cased coils. The final layer, or “flex base,” provides reinforcement to the coils.
Our testers agreed the mattress had a medium feel to it. But they also noted that when pressing into the mattress, they were met with a firm layer underneath. However, because this mattress is on the softer side we wouldn’t recommend it for higher-weight stomach sleepers.
Read our Brooklyn Bedding mattress review to learn more.
Bear Elite Hybrid: Best luxury mattress for stomach sleepers
Why Bear Elite Hybrid is our pick for best luxury mattress
The Bear Elite Hybrid is the best luxury hybrid mattress thanks to its copper-infused memory foam, which not only offers a cooling effect but also enhances comfort by providing an ideal balance of pressure relief and support. This luxurious combination makes it particularly well-suited for stomach sleepers who require targeted support without compromising on comfort. The premium materials and thoughtful design elevate it to a top-tier option in the luxury mattress category.
Who should use the Bear Elite Hybrid: The copper-infused memory foam of this mattress has a cooling effect, making it a great choice for sleepers who tend to run hot.
Who should consider other options: Because of the luxury features of this mattress, it is sold at a higher price point, and won’t be a good option for someone shopping on a budget.
Bear Elite Hybrid tester insights
While we mainly cover functionality during testing, we expect a luxury mattress to also look nice, and this one offers an inviting aesthetic with high-quality stitching and a plush top. One of our testers even noted it “looks like a cloud.” We tested the Medium version of this model, but the Bear Elite Hybrid is available in two other firmness levels, including Soft and Firm.
From one of our Bear Elite Hybrid testers:
“The bed is thick and fluffy on top, but my partner was surprised to see how much it decompressed when we lay on it.”
The Bear Elite Hybrid is made from both foam and coils and was designed specifically with pressure relief in mind—which is where it tested the strongest with a five out of five. It’s made of six layers and is topped by a hand-quilted cushion cover. A second layer of foam was designed to provide ergonomic support, while the layer of coils offers zoned support and is reinforced by edge coils to ensure the mattress doesn’t dip, all of which help this mattress provide great pressure relief. The cover contains a natural fiber called Celliant A fabric infused with minerals and trace elements that capture body heat and convert it into infrared energy to improve circulation and stimulate muscle recovery. , which some research has shown can help improve blood flow and oxygen levels in the skin.
The mattress also contains a layer of copper-infused memory foam that is designed to provide additional cooling and doubles as an antimicrobial agent. During testing, we gave it a three out of five for cooling. Memory foam tends to cling to heat, so the cooling technology in this mattress helped reduce some of that warming effect.
To learn more, read our Bear mattress review.
Birch Natural: Best eco-friendly mattress for stomach sleepers
Why Birch Natural is our pick for best eco-friendly mattress
We feel the Birch Natural mattress is a great choice for eco-conscious shoppers who want a natural mattress that doesn’t sacrifice quality, comfort, or support.
Who should use the Birch Natural: Sleepers with allergies or sensitivities to chemicals will appreciate the use of organic and natural materials in this mattress.
Who should consider other options Higher-weight sleepers will find this mattress isn’t quite supportive enough to maintain spine neutrality and should consider a firmer mattress from this list.
Birch Natural tester insights
The Birch Natural is a U.S.-made mattress constructed with a combination of natural latex, organic cotton, and organic wool. The first three layers are made from these natural fibers, giving it a plush first impression. The internal layers are made of natural Talalay Light and airy natural rubber material with excellent cushioning and temperature regulation properties. latex, which is designed to prevent pressure buildup. We found it effective during testing and gave it a four out of five in pressure relief. The latex is followed up by a support layer of 1,000 individually wrapped coils, providing high responsiveness, which makes it good for people who change positions throughout the night.
From one of our Birch Natural testers:
“The mattress is bouncy and helps aid in switching positions.”
Our testers felt this organic mattress had a nice bouncy feel and responded well to movement. However, they determined it would be best for lighter- and average-weight stomach sleepers since it may not provide enough support for higher-weight sleepers over 250 pounds.
Read more in our Birch Natural mattress review.
Nolah Evolution: Best mattress for combination stomach sleepers
Why Nolah Evolution is our pick for combination sleepers
The Nolah Evolution Luxury Firm model is made of foam and coil layers that provide a good mix of support, pressure relief, and responsiveness during testing. We think that makes it a good choice for sleepers who sleep on their stomach but may change position throughout the night.
Who should use the Nolah Evolution: Sleepers with chronic pain, especially in the hips, shoulders, and lower back will benefit from the excellent pressure relief of this mattress.
Who should consider other options: Sleepers looking for an affordable mattress will find that the Nolah Evolution isn’t budget-friendly.
Nolah Evolution tester insights
The Nolah Evolution is a medium-firm hybrid mattress made with high-quality materials that offer a plush, cushioned, and supportive feel. It’s made with an organic cotton cover and a cooling Euro-top cover. Our testers found it was easy to move around on the mattress, which makes it good for combination sleepers. It also tested high for edge support, overall support, and in pressure relief, making it a good mattress for all positions, which is important for people who don’t stay in the same position all night.
From one of our Nolah Evolution testers:
“When I lay down on my stomach, my back feels neutral, and I don’t feel consumed by the mattress.”
The cover is made with organic cotton and a material called ArticTex to help draw away moisture from the body. Additional proprietary cooling layers include a breathable AirFoam layer and an AirBreath layer that promotes airflow. During testing, we found this provided slightly above-average mattress cooling, with our testers giving it a three out of five for cooling.
Underneath the layers of foam, a tri-zone coil system was designed to reduce sinkage in the hip area, which is key for stomach sleepers. When our tester lay on their stomach, they felt fully supported in their lower back and hips.
Learn more in our Nolah mattress review.
How we test and choose the best mattresses for stomach sleepers
Buying a new mattress is a big decision, with the right option for you being what you find most comfortable and one that helps you get restful sleep each night. Without adequate sleep, our health can suffer, including our mental health, and research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has connected sleep deprivation with an increased risk of mental distress.
To aid your search for the mattress that helps you get the best sleep, our Reviews Team spent over 1,000 hours researching more than 100 of the best mattresses. We also surveyed over 600 mattress owners, interviewing 7, and consulted with 21 experts about what is most important in a mattress for stomach sleepers.
First-hand testing experience
Guided by a 42-question, standardized testing document, we evaluate mattresses for stomach sleepers, giving us the confidence to recommend each model on this list. Specifically, we look at the type of support a mattress offers, knowing that a firm option with zoned support often works well to keep hips lifted and the spine neutral. We also look at pressure relief, documenting how well the mattress distributes weight to avoid build up or pain at the joints.
Mattress surveys & interviews
We also surveyed 600 mattress owners, asking questions about what they found most important when looking for a new mattress. Some of these questions were specific to sleep position, and we learned that stomach sleepers are often most comfortable in a medium-firm to firm mattress. Consulting with experts, we also gathered information on what is most important to healthy sleep for those who prefer to sleep on their stomachs.
Objective and honest ratings
We used the information we gathered during research, alongside the results of our testing, surveys, and interviews, to create a mattress scorecard and objectively rate each mattress we review. First, we rate all of the mattresses we test in the individual categories we’ve found most important in mattresses for stomach sleepers, including features, affordability, and customer experience. Then, using those individual scores, we calculated one, weighted score for each mattress. In order to be included in this round-up of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers, a mattress had to score at least an 8 out of 10 overall.
| Factor | Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Service | 15% | Customer care center hours, support options |
| Brand Reputation | 10% | Years in business, lawsuits & class actions against this company |
| Features | 20% | Size options, firmness options, weight capacity, add-ons included (free sleep accessories) |
| User Experience | 35% | White glove delivery, CERTIPUR-US certifications, risk-free trials |
| Affordability | 20% | Price, warranty, promotions |
Learn more about our mattress testing and review methodology.
Our mattress testing process
Purchase mattress as mystery shoppers.
Set up mattress in testing lab.
Lie on mattress and rank firmness.
Lie on back, side, and stomach to find the best sleeping position.
Place 10-pound ball in mattress center and measure sinkage.
Find biggest pressure points using pressure map reading.
Evaluate cooling capabilities by recording temperature differences.
Drop 10-pound ball onto mattress to measure bounce score.
Test motion isolation.
Test edge support.
Calculate composite “family” scores.
How to choose a mattress for a good night’s sleep
The best mattress for stomach sleepers isn’t limited to a bed with great support. An individual’s personal requirements and preferences also need to be considered. Here’s what to consider as you weigh your options.
Material
Stomach sleepers need a mattress that delivers appropriate support in areas of high compression, which is something you can find in different mattress constructions. The most popular mattresses for stomach sleepers tend to be hybrid, foam, and latex.
Stomach sleepers usually require firm mattresses to keep them afloat, but a softer pillow will prevent neck pain.
Teresa Denike, a board-certified clinical sleep educator and founder of Sleep Better NYC
- Innerspring: Innerspring mattresses combine a layer of softer materials over a coil system, which makes them similar to hybrids. But the ratio of comfort to support layers is different, and innerspring mattresses are often firmer, with a bouncier feel, so they work well for stomach sleepers. Most innerspring mattresses available today are actually hybrids. See our full innerspring mattress guide.
- Memory foam: Memory foam mattresses are made with layers of foam that contour closely to the body’s curves. Memory foam responds to pressure and heat to hug the body and evenly distribute body weight, which helps relieve pressure. The material has a signature “hugged” sensation and isolates motion well, but it is prone to heat retention. Stomach sleepers considering memory foam should look for high-density foam and a higher firmness rating. See our full memory foam mattress guide.
- Hybrid: Hybrid mattresses combine comfort materials, like memory foam, polyfoam, or latex, with a durable layer of supportive innerspring coils. The combination promotes airflow—making hybrid mattresses a good pick for stomach sleepers who sleep hot— and improves mattress durability and edge support. The best hybrid mattresses balance comfort and support, appealing to a wide range of sleepers, including those who sleep on their stomachs. See our full hybrid mattress guide.
- Latex: Latex mattresses have similar pressure relief to memory foam, but the material is temperature-neutral and doesn’t trap heat. It’s also durable, with a buoyant sensation that responds well to movement. It can be a good fit for stomach sleepers, as sleepers feel as though they’re resting on top of the mattress as opposed to sinking into it. But it can add significant weight to a mattress, and it can be expensive, too. See our full latex mattress guide.
- Organic: Organic brands use naturally derived materials that have undergone testing through third parties to determine they are free from materials and chemicals that are harmful to humans. See our full organic mattress guide.
Sleeping position
Spinal alignment is a key consideration in any sleep position. A mattress needs to be firm enough for stomach sleepers to keep the hips elevated. Hips that dip as a result of insufficient support can pull the spine of alignment, leading to low back pain.
- Side sleepers: Compared to stomach sleepers, side sleepers need a softer surface that conforms to the curves of their body in order to maintain a neutral spine. See our full side sleeper mattress guide.
- Back sleepers: Back sleepers often don’t need as much firmness from a mattress as stomach sleepers, but find a medium-firm option supports spine alignment while contouring to their lower back. See our full back sleeper mattress guide.
Sleeper’s body
Because many of the comfort factors we evaluate in mattresses are subjective, with body type and health conditions playing a role in how each person experiences a mattress, it is important to keep body type in mind before buying a new mattress.
- Weight: Heavier-weight people experience mattresses as softer than an average-weight person, while lightweight people will experience them as firmer. See our full mattresses for heavy sleepers guide.
- Age: Babies and younger children are safest and most comfortable in a firm bed with no sinkage, while older children will find a soft bed most comfortable. See our full mattresses for kids guide.
- Health conditions: Chronic pain or mobility issues are often best accommodated by responsive beds with good pressure relief. See our full guides on mattresses for back pain and mattresses for hip pain.
Temperature
Sleepers who run hot or find themselves more sensitive to heat should look for mattresses that will aid in temperature regulation. We have found that the best cooling mattress is one that uses natural, breathable materials and employs advanced cooling technology, such as gel-infused foam.
Price
Mattresses for stomach sleepers can cost between $650 and $3,950, with price depending on mattress size, the materials used, and construction. During testing, we found the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid to be the best affordable mattress for stomach sleepers. If you’re looking for a mattress with premium materials and luxury features, learn more about the best luxury mattress here.
Firmness level
Medium to firm mattresses are best for stomach sleepers because they provide the right support to keep the spine in a neutral position. If the spine is not in a neutral position, it can put strain on the tissues and cause pain. Medium and firm mattresses also provide stomach sleepers with the support they need for their necks and lower backs.
Pressure relief
Most stomach sleepers don’t experience pressure point pain the way side sleepers do. Still, pressure can build in the hips if mattress support is lacking. Poor support that allows the hips and midsection to sink is also linked to improper spinal alignment and low back pain. Materials designed for pressure point relief, like memory foam and latex, help evenly distribute body weight to keep pressure from building.
Is stomach sleeping good for you?
Unfortunately, stomach sleeping isn’t the best position for the spine. Experts generally advise against stomach sleeping in favor of sleeping on the back or side. This is because stomach sleeping necessitates turning the neck to one side, which can lead to neck pain. Additionally, if your mattress lacks sufficient support to keep the hips properly elevated, stomach sleeping can also lead to low back pain due to spinal misalignment.
Our final verdict
Our overall pick for the best mattress for stomach sleepers overall is the Saatva Classic because it provides support using zoned coils and a high density foam lumbar crown to lift the hips in the stomach sleeping position. Our testers found this bed to be very responsive, with good bounce that made it easy to switch positions. We gave the Saatva Classic a firmness rating of 7 out of 10, and we believe it works well for stomach sleepers of all sizes.
As a company, Saatva has established policies that rival every other mattress brand, beginning with a generous 365-night sleep trial and free white glove delivery with all purchases. Saatva also protects their mattresses with a limited lifetime warranty. A queen-size mattress costs $2,095 without discounts, making it one of the more expensive options on this list, but it is regularly discounted to aid in affordability.
Compare the best mattresses for stomach sleepers of 2024
| Price | $1,395–$2,990 | $936–$1,749 | $749–$1,998 | $1,149–$2,049 | $749–$1,698 | $665–$1,664 | $1,893–$3,920 | $1,873–$2,248 | $1,499–$3,198 |
| Firmness | 7/10 (Luxury Firm model) | 8/10 | 6.5/10 | 6.5 (Luxury Firm model) | 9/10 | 6/10 | 6.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 7/10 |
| Material | Innerspring-hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Memory foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 10 years | Lifetime | Lifetime | 10 years | 10 years | Lifetime | 25 years | Lifetime |
| Trial period | 365 nights | 100 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 100 nights | 120 nights |
| Best for | Stomach sleepers who like bouncy beds | Higher-weight stomach sleepers | Lighter and average-weight stomach sleepers and couples | Lighter- and average -weight stomach and combination sleepers | People who prefer an extra-firm mattress | Stomach sleepers on a budget | Sleepers who want a higher-end mattress with high pressure relief | Eco-conscious shoppers | Combination sleepers |
Frequently asked questions
The average mattress is between eight to 12 inches tall. Since stomach sleepers need additional support to keep their spine in a neutral position, you may want to choose a mattress within this range to ensure you get the level of support you need.
Pillow-top mattresses can work well for stomach sleepers who prefer some cushioning, as long as the deeper layers of the mattress provide enough support for a neutral spine. When the spine is not in a neutral position it can lead to straining and pain that can radiate to other parts of the body.
A firmer mattress is generally better for stomach sleepers. Firm mattresses help keep the hips properly elevated and the spine in alignment, reducing the risk of neck and lower back pain.
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