Dr. Barry Jarvis
Sleeping on your stomach can help reduce snoring and back pain for some people. However, it also comes with the risk of developing neck, shoulder and lower back issues without proper support. This buyer’s guide reviews the 10 best mattresses designed specifically for stomach sleepers to keep your spine aligned and comfortable all night long.
Guide to Choosing the Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleeping has unique needs when it comes to mattress firmness and support. Here are the key factors stomach sleepers should look for when mattress shopping:
1. Firmness Level
The best mattress firmness for stomach sleeping is medium-firm to firm, around 6-8 on the 10 point firmness scale. This prevents the pelvis from sagging down into the mattress which can strain the spine.
2. Support Core
Innerspring, latex or high-density foam cores offer the most support for stomach sleepers. This provides sturdy reinforcement to keep the body on top of the mattress.
3. Responsiveness
Bouncy, responsive surfaces allow easy switching positions, an important factor for active stomach sleepers.
4. Edge Support
Strong edges prevent the sides from compressing when getting in and out of bed. This provides better stability for stomach sleeping.
5. Motion Isolation
Since stomach sleepers are often restless, motion isolating materials can limit disruption if you share the bed.
Using these criteria, here are the top mattresses recommended for stomach sleepers in 2023:
1. Amerisleep AS2
Key Features:
- Proprietary Bio-Pur® memory foam
- Medium-firm (7/10) feel
- Zoned support layer reinforced center third
- Celliant® cover improves circulation and cooling
- Works well for back and stomach sleeping
- 100 night risk free trial
The Amerisleep AS2’s durable support core and firmer feel make it one of the best mattress options for keeping stomach sleepers’ bodies properly aligned all night.
Price Range: $$$
Buy the Amerisleep AS2 Mattress on Amazon
2. WinkBed Plus
Key Features:
- Hybrid innerspring and foam construction
- Firm feel ideal for heavier weights
- Zoned lumbar support reinforcement
- Sturdy coil-on-coil system with polyfoam layers
- Breathable Tencel® cover
- 120 night risk free trial
Built with lumbar support, durable springs, and a firm feel, the WinkBed Plus provides an excellent stomach sleeping experience while staying cool.
Price Range: $$$$
Buy the WinkBed Plus on Amazon
3. Helix Dawn
Key Features:
- Hybrid latex and wrapped coil design
- Ultra firm feel (8/10)
- Reinforced lumbar support
- Breathable cover
- Minimal motion transfer
- 100 night sleep trial
With reinforced lumbar support and an extra firm feel, the Helix Dawn keeps stomach sleepers lifted up with no midsection sagging.
Price Range: $$
Buy the Helix Dawn on Amazon
4. Plank by Brooklyn Bedding
Key Features:
- Flippable firm and ultra firm feels
- TitanFlexTM foam provides responsive support
- Reinforced edges for stability
- Cooling panel in cover
- Ideal for stomach and back sleepers
- 120 night risk free trial
The ultra firm side of the flippable Plank mattress keeps stomach sleepers lifted in perfect alignment all night long.
Price Range: $$
Buy Plank on Amazon
5. Nest Bedding Alexander Hybrid
Key Features:
- Hybrid foam and pocket coil construction
- Firm feel with closely conforming foam
- Zoned barrels support the lumbar
- Highly breathable design
- Handles motion isolation well
- 100 night trial
Nest Bedding’s Alexander pairs supportive pocket coils with lumbar-reinforcing foam barrels ideal for keeping stomach sleepers’ spines happy.
Price Range: $$$
Buy the Nest Bedding Alexander Hybrid on Amazon
6. Bear Hybrid
Key Features:
- Responsive coil system paired with foam
- Firmer feel supports the midsection
- Gel and graphite-infused foam regulates temperature
- Highly breathable Celliant® cover
- Great motion isolation and edge support
- 100 night sleep trial
The Bear Hybrid pairs advanced cooling technologies with robust support systems ideal for keeping hot stomach sleepers resting comfortably.
Price Range: $$
Buy the Bear Hybrid on Amazon
7. Avocado Green Mattress
Key Features:
- Hybrid latex and pocketed coil design
- Firmer feel with minimal sinkage
- Organic and natural materials
- Zoned support with reinforced perimeter
- GOLS organic certified latex
- 1 year sleep trial
The eco-friendly Avocado Green mattress provides an exceptionally supportive sleeping surface for stomach sleepers using premium organic materials.
Price Range: $$$$
Buy the Avocado Green Mattress on Amazon
8. Saatva HD
Key Features:
- Hybrid innerspring mattress
- Ultra firm feel reinforced center third
- Lumbar zone and perimeter edge support
- Durable coil-on-coil system
- Organic cotton cover
- 180 night home trial
The Saatva HD excels at keeping heavier stomach sleepers supported without sagging. It’s ultra firm feel and robust coils reinforce the midsection.
Price Range: $$$$
Buy the Saatva HD on Amazon
9. Spindle Organic Latex
Key Features:
- 3 layers of organic Dunlop latex
- Medium-firm or firm options
- Natural wool and organic cotton cover
- Responsive, resilient feel
- GOLS and GOTS certified materials
- 365 night comfort guarantee
The customizable firmness levels and premium organic materials of Spindle’s latex mattress provide healthy support for stomach sleepers without pressure.
Price Range: $$$
Buy the Spindle Mattress on Spindle’s Website
10. Big Fig
Key Features:
- Specifically designed for heavier weights
- Reinforced steel coil system with foam layers
- Firm, supportive feel
- ThermoGel® cool-to-the-touch cover
- 20 year warranty
- 120 night risk free trial
With robust support coils and high-density foams, Big Fig excels at keeping stomach sleepers of size in proper spinal alignment.
Price Range: $$$$
Buy the Big Fig on Big Fig’s Website
How To Choose the Best Mattress Firmness for Stomach Sleepers
Here are some general guidelines for selecting the ideal mattress firmness level based on your body type and weight as a stomach sleeper:
- Lightweight (under 130 lbs) – Medium firmness around 6, avoids feeling “stuck.”
- Average weight (130 to 230 lbs) – Medium firm to firm around 7-8 prevents sinking.
- Heavyweight (over 230 lbs) – Firm to extra firm, rating of 8-10 gives robust support.
But you may find that your personal preference differs from these recommendations, so try out different firmness levels to see what feels most comfortable to you. Many online mattress brands now offer sleep trials so you can test out their mattress at home before fully committing.
Best Mattress Types for Stomach Sleepers
Innerspring
Traditional innerspring mattresses with reinforced midsections provide the excellent support stomach sleepers need. Look for durable coils with thick gauge steel. But innerspring alone can be less pressure relieving.
Hybrid
Getting the benefits of both innerspring coils and conforming foam layers makes hybrid mattresses ideal for keeping stomach sleepers comfortable. This design provides a supportive and cushioned feel.
Latex
All-latex or latex hybrid mattresses offer nice resilience to lift the midsection up without sagging. Dunlop latex tends to excel at support. Look for zoning to reinforce the center core.
Memory Foam
Memory foam can allow too much sinkage for some stomach sleepers. But firmer densities with zoning can provide superior pressure relief while supporting the midsection.
Adjustable Base
Using an adjustable base that allows raising the head up slightly can help improve spinal alignment and reduce neck strain for stomach sleepers.
Tips for Stomach Sleepers Looking for a Mattress
- Shop at places with sleep trials so you can test out the mattress for an extended period at home before fully committing.
- Pay attention to return policies in case the mattress ends up feeling uncomfortable for stomach sleeping during the trial.
- Ask about warranties that provide coverage in case the mattress forms body impressions or sinks prematurely.
- For couples, test out motion isolation by having your partner move on their side while you feel the level of disruption on your side.
- Evaluate edge support by sitting on the sides of the mattress to make sure you don’t sink significantly or feel unstable.
- Add a mattress protector to guard your mattress investment against spills, stains and damage.
Choosing the right mattress lets stomach sleepers benefit from the improved spinal alignment this position offers without waking up with a stiff neck or sore back. Carefully evaluate your options using the criteria above to find the perfect match for your body and sleep preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers
What firmness level is best for stomach sleepers?
Most stomach sleepers do best on a firmer mattress around 7-10 on the standard mattress firmness scale. This prevents excess sinking of the midsection which can strain the spine.
Do you need a firm mattress for stomach sleeping?
Stomach sleepers typically require a firm or extra firm mattress. This provides reinforced support to keep the hips lifted and spine aligned. Soft or plush mattresses allow the midsection to sink in too deeply.
Is memory foam good for stomach sleepers?
Some memory foam mattresses may allow too much sinkage in the hips and abdomen for stomach sleeping. Look for firmer densities of memory foam with zoning to provide support while still cushioning pressure points.
What mattress type is best for stomach sleepers?
Innerspring, latex and hybrid mattresses tend to offer the most supportive surfaces for stomach sleepers. But firmer polyfoam and memory foam mattresses can also work well with zoned construction.
Should your mattress be hard or soft for stomach sleeping?
Stomach sleepers generally need a harder, firmer mattress to prevent excess sinking of the torso which can strain the spine. Ultra plush soft mattresses allow too much compression for proper stomach sleeping alignment.
Closing Summary
Stomach sleepers face unique challenges finding a mattress that keeps their spine aligned without developing stiff necks or sore backs. Paying attention to firmness, support layers, and quality materials allows you to enjoy the potential benefits of stomach sleeping without waking up in pain. Test out the feels and options above to discover the perfect mattress tailored to your body’s needs.
Originally posted on September 18, 2023 @ 6:53 pm
Author
Dr. Barry Jarvis
Dr. Barry Jarvis is a renowned sleep specialist, dedicating their illustrious career to the intricate world of sleep medicine. Holding a medical degree from a prestigious institution, Dr. Jarvis has cultivated a deep understanding of the complex mechanisms that govern sleep and its pivotal role in overall health and well-being. With a compassionate approach and a meticulous eye for detail, Dr. Jarvis has helped countless individuals reclaim restful nights and vibrant days. Beyond their clinical expertise, they have contributed to groundbreaking research in sleep medicine, unraveling the mysteries of sleep disorders and pioneering innovative treatments that stand at the forefront of the field.
