Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers

Finding the right mattress is essential if you sleep on your stomach. A mattress that provides proper support and alignment is key to preventing strain on your back and neck. Stomach sleepers need a surface that keeps their spine in a neutral position without causing excessive sinking. With so many options available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. To help you decide, we’ve compiled a list of the best mattresses of 2024 specifically designed for stomach sleepers. These top-rated picks stand out for their firm support, pressure relief, and durability, based on customer reviews and expert recommendations.

Sleep Doctor independently selects the products we test. We may earn a commission if you buy through the links on our site. Prices listed for queen size mattresses.

Top Mattresses

How to Pick a Mattress for a Stomach Sleeper

Shopping for a mattress online doesn’t have to be overwhelming, especially if you’re a stomach sleeper. Finding the right mattress is crucial for maintaining proper spinal alignment and preventing discomfort. Here’s what else to consider before making your purchase:

  • Temperature Neutrality

    This performance category refers to how well a mattress maintains a comfortable temperature.

  • Pressure Relief

    A mattress can either reduce or worsen pressure build up in areas like the hips and shoulders due to uneven spinal alignment and lack of support.

  • Ease of Movement

    A mattress with a responsive, springy surface is usually easier to move across than one that sinks beneath your weight.

  • Edge Support

    Stability along the edges and the rate at which the compression recovers after weight is removed allows for greater ease getting in and out of bed.

  • Motion Isolation

    A mattress with great motion isolation absorbs movement on one side of the bed and prevents it from transferring to the other.

  • Odor Emissions

    Most new mattresses emit chemical odors after unboxing, but some smell stronger or take longer to dissipate than others.

  • Temperature Neutrality

    This performance category refers to how well a mattress maintains a comfortable temperature.

  • Pressure Relief

    A mattress can either reduce or worsen pressure build up in areas like the hips and shoulders due to uneven spinal alignment and lack of support.

  • Ease of Movement

    A mattress with a responsive, springy surface is usually easier to move across than one that sinks beneath your weight.

  • Edge Support

    Stability along the edges and the rate at which the compression recovers after weight is removed allows for greater ease getting in and out of bed.

  • Motion Isolation

    A mattress with great motion isolation absorbs movement on one side of the bed and prevents it from transferring to the other.

  • Odor Emissions

    Most new mattresses emit chemical odors after unboxing, but some smell stronger or take longer to dissipate than others.

More Mattress Customer Favorites

Choosing the Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers

FAQ's

What is the best mattress for a stomach sleeper?

The best mattress for stomach sleepers is typically medium-firm to firm to provide proper support for the spine and prevent it from sinking too deeply into the mattress. Stomach sleepers need a mattress that helps maintain neutral spine alignment and avoids strain on the lower back.

Popular options include:

  • Firm to medium-firm innerspring mattresses or hybrid mattresses with coils for support and minimal sinkage.
  • Firm memory foam mattresses that provide support without being overly soft, which could cause the body to dip.
  • Latex mattresses, which are responsive and firm, offering a supportive surface.

Is a plush mattress bad for stomach sleepers?

A plush mattress is generally not an ideal choice for stomach sleepers. A plush or soft mattress can cause the body to sink too deeply, misaligning the spine and putting strain on the lower back. Stomach sleepers often need a firmer mattress to keep their spine aligned and prevent the hips from sinking excessively.

Is it bad to sleep on your stomach?

Sleeping on your stomach is generally not recommended because it can strain the neck and lower back. When you sleep on your stomach, it’s difficult to maintain neutral spinal alignment, which can lead to discomfort and long-term issues, such as:

  • Neck strain: Turning your head to breathe can cause stiffness and misalignment in the neck.
  • Lower back pain: The lower back can arch excessively, leading to discomfort or pain.

However, some stomach sleepers find it comfortable and sleep better that way, so it’s ultimately a personal choice.

Does sleeping on your stomach hurt your lower back?

Yes, sleeping on your stomach can hurt your lower back. This position tends to cause the lower back to sag or arch, which can lead to pressure on the spine and discomfort. Over time, it can exacerbate existing back pain or lead to new issues. To reduce strain, some stomach sleepers may benefit from using a firmer mattress and placing a pillow under their pelvis to maintain a more neutral spinal position.