Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers (2023): Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Stomach sleeping is the least common sleep position— only 16% of Americans sleep on their stomachs. This position opens up health risks like neck strain and back pain due to large amounts of pressure on the spine. To reduce these risks, choose a mattress based on your body weight to prevent deep sinking.

In our article, we share our favorite mattress options for stomach sleepers and provide a guide to help stomach sleepers find the best bed to suit their needs.

The Amerisleep AS2 is a great option for stomach sleepers who may experience back pain, which is backed by lots of customer reviews. This medium-firm mattress is 12 inches tall and every layer will keep stomach sleepers from misaligning their spine and waking up in pain.

The Amerisleep AS2 comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty— covering sagging greater than an inch.

How Lying Down Feels

The Amerisleep AS2 medium-firm mattress is made to facilitate healthy spinal alignment. Verywell Health even calls it the best mattress for back pain. If you’re looking for a mattress for stomach sleepers, the AS2 is perfect for you.

While a firmer bed, the Amerisleep AS2 features a plush and breathable cover crafted from a unique fiber blend that shares qualities with Celliant, which a material known for its exceptional energy transfer properties.

Here is what some of the thousands of reviewers buying a mattress for stomach sleepers said about the Amerisleep AS2. While most are satisfied, some say the firmness doesn’t last:

Del M: I am mostly a stomach sleeper and the AS2 has great support with little sinkage. However, when I turn on my side, it is a bit too firm. FYI the AS2 works well with adjustable bases also.

Alf96: Bought AS2 MF and surprised not as hard as thought and is cool. In fact as a stomach sleeper does cause some low back pain but giving it a chance while thinking about exchange for AS2 Hybrid (Typically Hybrid should be firmer but cust. service says would be softer than MF version which is different website…) or AS1 MF?

Eddie: The mattress is plenty firm for stomach sleepers and feels great for me when I sleep on my back too! Very cool throughout the night!

Inside the Mattress

The Amerisleep AS2 mattress is 12 inches tall and contains 2 inches of Bio-Pur®, a 3-inch thick Affinity layer with HIVE® technology, and 8 inches of sturdy Bio-Core®. Like all Amerisleep mattresses, the AS2 is wrapped in an airy fabric to boost the mattress’s breathability and keep you cool throughout the night.

Bio-Pur® is plant-based memory foam— manufacturers partially replace petroleum with castor oil to produce a memory foam cooler and more responsive than traditional memory foam. Bio-Pur® forms around the body, relieving pressure points and reducing aches and pains without risk of sagging or sleepers feeling “stuck.”

HIVE® stands for Harnessing Intelligent Ventilation & Energy, which describes how this layer relieves pressure. Hexagonal-shaped cutouts sit closely together where you need more support— in the midsection and neck, and then farther apart where pressure points are likely to build up, such as the hips and shoulders.

Bio-Core® evenly supports the body across the sleeping surface and reinforces the Bio-Pur® top layer.

Read Our Full Review of the Amerisleep AS2 Mattress

The Zoma Hybrid is made with several advanced foam layers and a spring coil base. With the pressure relief of foam and the bounce of the steel coils, stomach sleepers will experience less sinking so the spine can rest in a safe, neutral position.

The Zoma Hybrid is Zoma’s second mattress next to the Zoma Mattress. The Zoma Hybrid offers more bounce and breathability than the Zoma Mattress, ensuring your hips don’t sink painfully while you sleep on your stomach.

The Zoma Hybrid is backed by a 100-night sleep trial that allows you to test out the bed in the comfort of your own home to make sure it is right for you. They also include free shipping, free returns, and a 10-year limited warranty.

Let’s take a closer look at the layers of the Zoma Hybrid.

How Lying Down Feels

As a medium mattress, the Zoma Hybrid is excellent for side and combo sleepers looking to alleviate pain. Customer reviews agree that whether you’re an athlete or not, the Zoma Hybrid mattress will cradle your body’s curves, support your back, and improve your sleep.

Most reviewers love the Zoma. Here is what some have to say:

Evonne B: This is my second zoma mattress. I bought a queen size a few years ago and this time I bought a king size. It’s so comfortable.

Jason D: Best mattress I’ve had to date. Took a chance on it after doing some research and really surprised. So comfortable for my preferences.

Dona F: The bed is so comfortable! My son is very tall and it’s a great fit! The delivery was fast! I’m going to purchase 2 more beds in the near future!

Inside the Mattress

The cover of this mattress features a soft, stretch-knit fabric called AirCloth. This material is ventilated to ensure body heat never builds up in the bed, allowing you can sleep cool and relaxed. The comfort layer of the Zoma Hybrid features Zoma’s proprietary gel-infused memory foam with zoned support. This foam is zoned to provide the perfect compression to each area of the body. Around the hips and shoulders, this material is slightly softer to guard against pressure points. Along the back and neck, this foam is firmer and stabilizing.

Beneath the comfort layer is Zoma’s Reactiv™ transition layer. This foam has more elasticity and helps guard against excessive sinking. Sleeping with the spine in an unnatural position throughout the night can lead to stiff, sore muscles and joints. Reactiv™ prevents this issue by keeping the body weight evenly distributed and the spine neutral.

Supporting these layers is a pocketed spring coil base. The coils are wrapped in fabric and move independently of each other for better contouring and reduced motion transfer. This base is also reinforced with edge support to make moving around the bed more comfortable.

Vaya aims to create affordable, high-quality mattresses usable by everyone. Both the Vaya Mattress and Vaya Hybrid—which made today’s list—contain plush, pressure-relieving layers and are designed to suit the majority of sleepers. The main difference between these two mattresses is that the Vaya Hybrid mattress contains coils and the Vaya Mattress does not.

Vaya includes a 100-night sleep trial with each of their mattresses. This trial gives you plenty of time to sleep on the Vaya Hybrid mattress and make sure it’s right for you. They also provide a 10-year warranty covering manufacturing defects such as sagging and indentations.

How Lying Down Feels

The Vaya Hybrid mattress conforms under your body’s curves without causing you to sink too much into your bed, which can make switching positions and getting in and out of bed difficult. Real Vaya Hybrid users describe the bed as being soft but supportive and nice for people who share a bed, as they don’t notice their restless partners moving at night.

People tend to love the Vaya Mattress, some people have had issues with delivery, however.

Ceyatano A: Bought a Hybrid mattress which is good but never received the free pillows clearly listed on the Hybrid mattress page.

Lisa S: Last night was my first night sleeping on the Vaya Hybrid mattress, and wow I’m so glad I did my research and chose this bed!!

Sharon R: I am absolutely elated with my hybrid Vaya and those pillows are heaven. My two daughters and granddaughter also have Vaya mattresses. I can’t rave about my bed more.

Inside the Mattress

Vaya’s proprietary Vaya Comfort Foam doesn’t retain heat and moisture the way traditional mattress foams do. This light, airy material contours to the body without causing night sweats and overheating. Plus, Vaya Foam has a slight bounce, which keeps the hips and shoulders lifted and aligned during sleep.

The pocketed spring coils in the base of the Vaya Hybrid mattress are triple wrapped in a soft, durable fabric for added comfort. These coils move independently of one another, allowing them to contour more closely to the body and relieve tension.

The perimeter of this base is also reinforced with edge support for added durability and motion isolation. Couples with different sleep schedules won’t have to worry about disturbing their partner on this stable and supportive base.

Stomach sleepers who want a medium-firm innerspring mattress should consider the Saatva Classic’s Luxury Firm option. The Saatva Classic doesn’t just offer medium-firm support. It also fixes a lot of the problems inherent to regular innerspring mattresses. This is because the Classic is not a true innerspring mattress. It’s an innerspring hybrid!

How Lying Down Feels

The Saatva Classic provides all the comforts you’d expect out of an innerspring mattress. It bounces just like an innerspring mattress. And it’s highly breathable all the way through, just like an innerspring mattress. So those who have gotten used to the innerspring feel don’t have to worry about losing it if they purchase the Classic.

On the other hand, you also don’t have to worry about all the problems inherent to innerspring beds when you sleep on the Classic. The adaptable pocketed coil support layer makes the Classic much more contouring than a regular innerspring mattress. It also increases the motion isolating capabilities of the bed.

All but one stomach sleeper who bought the Saatva looking for a firm mattress love it. Here is that one and two more:

Mike: We find mattress extremely comfortable. My wife is actually able to sleep on her stomach once again. Good purchase for us.

Kara K: . My husband and I are side, back and Read more about review stating Luxury Firm is Too firmstomach sleepers. This is not comfortable for side or stomach sleepers…back sleeping ONLY! I will exchange for the plush soft.

Byron: It was time to replace our previous mattress and we looked for one that would be good for both stomach (me) and side sleepers (spouse). And good overall for lower back issues. After a month with the Saatava mattress it appears that we accomplished all of our goals. Great mattress and wonderful sleep.

Mattress Construction

The Saatva Classic starts out with a three-inch contouring Euro top. This layer offers pressure relief and comfort to tired joints. It’s also wrapped in a hypoallergenic organic cotton cover treated with GuardinTM botanical antimicrobial treatment that prevents bacteria, mold, and other icky things from flourishing in your mattress. This is a boon for allergy sufferers everywhere.

Below the Euro-style pillow top, you’ll find the high-density memory foam layer. This layer increases pressure relief above and also helps the mattress transition from foam and fibers to steel coils.

The first support layer of the Classic sits right underneath the transition foam layer. These adaptable pocket coils add contoured support to the Classic to help keep your spine in optimal alignment. This is also the coil layer that helps neutralize motion transfer.

The coil layer that provides innerspring bounce and breathability is the open coil support core right below the pocketed coils. These ultra-strong coils are 13-gauge tempered steel, so you won’t have to worry about sagging for a long time.

These networked coils are also surrounded by a perimeter railing system made of high-density foam. That means the Classic mattress boasts superior edge support to go along with its dual support cores.

Another one of the most comfortable mattresses around is the Nolah Evolution 15. This ultra-thick mattress offers multiple layers of contouring foam for an incredibly luxurious feel that can relieve pressure and leave you feeling like you’re floating on a cooling cloud. This excellent mattress can offer everyone from side sleepers to hot sleepers an amazing night.

How Lying Down Feels

Lying down on the Evolution, the first thing you’ll notice is its superior contouring. The Evolution combines multiple layers of adaptable memory foam with an equally adaptable pocketed coil support core. That means this mattress can perfectly contour to your body to keep your spine in healthy alignment and cradle your pressure points.

This is also an incredibly cool mattress. It combines multiple cooling features that work together to both pull heat away from you and keep cool air flowing through the mattress. So no worries about overheating memory foam. This mattress can regulate its temperature!

Overall, stomach sleepers love the Nolah Evolution 15 whwn choosing a firm mattress. However, it should be noted, you really need to select the right firmness when ordering:

Hannah M: An amazing mattress! Constructed with luxuriously well made materials that are breathable and incredibly comfortable. After almost one year of sleeping on this mattress, my husband and I are still talking about how much we love it. We both are combo sleepers and feel it’s the perfect balance between soft and firm.

Anonymous: We purchased the Nolah Evolution Hybrid 15 in Plush . We originally ordered the luxury firm version but switched to plush. Excellent customer service, quality Mattress and very comfortable for side sleeping.

Joel C: Random thoughts: 1) I love my mattress. 2) It is firmer than I thought it would be, but it turns out, this is the firmness I really wanted. 3) Dealing with the Nolah call center was excellent.

Inside the Mattress

The Evolution starts off with the ArcticTexTM cooling cover and quilted cooling Euro top. These two features keep the surface of your bed cool to the touch and offer an amazingly plush feel no matter which firmness level you choose.

Next, comes the AirBreathTM heat escape gusset. This gusset ensures there is nothing impeding airflow underneath your body. That allows the mattress to wick away moisture and body heat from the time you go to sleep to the time you wake up.

The comfort layer of this mattress is cooling Nolah AirFoamICETM. This graphite-infused memory foam helps conduct heat down into the mattress. The graphite infusions also create a hostile environment for microbes that could infest your bed.

Between the coils and comfort layer, you’ll find two layers of high-resilience and high-density foam. These layers create buoyancy to keep you on top of the sleep surface.

Finally, the HDMaxTM pocketed coils provide 25 percent more support than traditional coils. They’re also arranged into three zones to ensure each zone of your body gets its ideal mix of support and comfort.

Spindle takes a unique approach to mattress design by shipping the mattress in layers that are then assembled at home by the customer. On the one hand, it’s more work for the customer. On the other, you get a custom-built mattress based on your comfort preferences as a stomach sleeper.

Besides, many customers say that with the help of customer services and the how-to videos on Spindle’s website, it’s easy to assemble the layers to suit your preferences.

Spindle offers a 365-day comfort adjustment, which is their sleep trial period. They recommend a 60-day break-in period—if you don’t like the mattress, it can be returned. However, Spindle may also suggest changing the order of the layers to adjust the firmness level.

Spindle’s mattresses also come with a 10-year warranty that covers indentations over 0.75 inches, but it also has a 25-year comfort renewal program—you can contact Spindle and they’ll replace layers that have lost their comfort. However, the replacement layers come with a fee.

How Lying Down Feels

Because of the adjustable design to the Spindle Organic Latex Mattress, there’s no one way for the bed to feel. It can be soft or firm, depending on how you arrange the three latex layers. Regardless of firmness, the breathable latex and airy cotton and wool coverings ensure you’ll stay cool all night long.

Spindle is a medium firm mattress that has had great reviews so far as well:

Jenna H: There was no adjustment period. It was instant relief. I kept waking up, actually, because I was so comfortable.

Bassel: I am glad I have invested in this mattress. Now my back feels well supported sleeping on it after switching from a memory foam mattress. I got the medium firm mattress.

Deborah T: I love this bed. I was so worried because I couldn’t test it, but was not disappointed in anything. Lots of support with a soft top layer. Awesome.

Inside the Mattress

Spindle uses Dunlop latex that’s OEKO-TEX, GOLS, and Rainforest Alliance Certified:

• The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification means that the entire mattress has been tested and found free of harmful levels of chemicals and emissions.
• The GOLS certification means the latex foam is at least 95 percent organic.
• The Rainforest Alliance certification has to do with the sustainability of the rubber trees where the sap for the latex is harvested.

The mattress contains three individual foam layers, with firm, medium, and soft feels. The order in which the layers are assembled affects the final firmness and feel of the mattress. In its standard order, the bed is a medium-firm mattress, but it can be firmer or softer as needed. Spindle even lets you order the layers in a certain arrangement, so the mattress arrives with your desired firmness.

Wrapped around the mattress is a zippable cotton cover with GOTS-certified fibers, with wool padding underneath that’s also certified organic. These materials work to maintain a cool, cozy temperature by pulling away heat and sweat. The wool also serves as a natural flame-resistant barrier.

Avocado’s first and most popular mattress, the Avocado Green, is 11 inches tall and contains 2 inches of Dunlop latex, 8 inches of individually wrapped coils, and 1 inch of Dunlop latex. The organic cotton mattress cover also includes all-natural wool as a natural fire retardant.

For vegan shoppers, the Avocado Green comes in a plant-based variation called the Avocado Vegan, containing organic cotton in the place of wool.

The Avocado Green mattress comes with a 1-year sleep trial and a 25-year warranty— during the first 10 years, Avocado will repair or replace the mattress free of charge. Starting in the 11th year, Avocado will choose to repair or replace the mattress at a prorated charge.

How Lying Down Feels

The Avocado Green Mattress has a medium-firm feel, but if customers want something a little softer, they can pay an extra charge for a 2-inch Dunlop latex Euro-style pillow top. The topper alters the surface of the mattress to a medium feel. 

The medium-firm option works well for back and stomach sleepers. It’s also a good choice for people dealing with back pain or who weigh over 230 pounds. The pillow-top variation with medium firmness is best suited for side and combination sleepers. 

Stomach sleepers love the Avocado green. We looked at over 100 reviews for stomach sleepers, all were very happy:

Jaime J: The first couple nights were an adjustment, but ever since this bed has been the best sleep ever. I wake up so much less and my back feels infinitely better. I’m a stomach sleeper and the mattress without the pillow top has been the perfect fit for me and my pups.

Jason: The Avocado Mattress is an amazing mattress. I used to be a stomach sleeper only. Now, I find myself sleeping on my side and back as well. No more morning neck aches.

Alison P: Mattress is very comfortable and supportive. It’s a perfect degree of firmness for me, a stomach and side sleeper.

Inside the Mattress

Cool and responsive Dunlop latex conforms to the body, relieving pressure points. This dense and durable material is made of 100% natural latex, reducing the likelihood of aggravating allergies.

The ergonomic pocket coil support layer provides softer support to heavier sections of the body, like the shoulders and hips. Plus the mattress contains exceptional edge support, so stomach sleepers who prefer to sleep on the bed’s edge won’t have to worry about rolling off.

The Dunlop latex base layer stabilizes the bed and helps keep its shape.

The Avocado Green mattress has a medium-firm feel, making the mattress ideal for lightweight and average sleepers who sleep on their stomach. Customers note how the mattress provides a stable surface to rest on without causing them to sink or feel stuck in the bed, which they prefer.

The Bear Mattress is 10 inches thick and contains 2 inches of graphite-gel memory foam, 2 inches of transitional foam, and 6 inches of high-density foam. The FDA-determined Celliant® mattress cover pulls heat away and transforms it into infrared energy.

How Lying Down Feels

Stomach sleepers may find the Bear Mattress too firm, but back and stomach sleepers will find this mattress greatly rejuvenating. For a softer bed, consider Bear’s Hybrid or Pro models.

The Bear Mattress’s cover is woven from with FDA-determined Celliant® technology, which turns your body heat into infrared energy to help your body recover.

Bear Original has over 240 reviews from stomach sleepers. Here is what some had to say:

Gail S: We’ve installed the mattress into our Murphy bed. It fits well and has enough weight to open and stay down. At the same time it is not too heavy to put back into the upright position. It seems to be comfortable but we haven’t had any guests yet to try it out. We’re working on that.

Sarah M:Not sure it’s the best mattress for me… loved it in beginning but I’m a stomach sleeper and wake up with back pain. May need something more firm.

Noel L: As the title says, if you need a firm mattress this is for you. I am a stomach sleeper and runner and was hoping it would work for me. Unfortunately this bed was too firm and after 40 days I could take the back pain any longer. It did stay cool which was nice.

Inside the Mattress

Graphite and gel pull heat away from the body and dissipate it for temperature regulation while conforming memory foam cradles the hips and relieves pressure points.

The responsive transitional foam encourages spinal alignment by providing enhanced back support. Based on reviews, sleepers have noticed a significant improvement in their back pain, likely thanks to the Bear Mattress’s extra support.

A high-density foam base keeps the body resting on the sleeping surface, preventing it from sinking. This support layer also reinforces the top foam layers and maintains the mattress’s shape.

The medium-firm feel of the Bear Mattress is a good option for stomach sleepers because it provides even support to the belly while aligning the spine. Bear’s other mattresses, the Bear Pro and Bear Hybrid, are slightly softer for stomach sleepers who prefer a bit more cushioning.

Bear includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty. The warranty covers sagging greater than 1 inch.

SEE ALSO: Best 10 Inch Mattress

The Purple® Hybrid mattress is 10.5 inches thick and contains 2 inches of the Purple Grid™, 1 inch of poly-foam, and 7.5 inches of individually wrapped coils. The Lycra® blend mattress cover provides stomach sleepers with a plush, breathable surface to rest on.

Purple® includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty, covering sagging greater than 1 inch. Purple® does require its customers to keep the mattress for at least 21 days before initiating a return.

How Lying Down Feels

The original Purple Hybrid has a medium to medium-firm feel. Combine that with its superior contouring ability, and it’s a fantastic mattress for back sleepers. But it’s also versatile enough for combo sleepers.

Stomach sleepers who chose the Purple Hybrid have nothing but good things to say. Here are some reviews:

Lilia MC: Ive had the hybrid 2 for about two weeks now and both my husband and I are happy to say we’ve no more back pain! I am a combined sleeper so I will start off on my side and end up on my back or stomach sometime in the night, so its so nice to sleep and know all those little aches and pains in aren’t going to be waking you up at any more!!!

Maria G: This is a perfect mattress for whatever type of a sleeper a person is. My husband is a mix of back and stomach sleeper and i am a side sleeper. By far a good investment.

HEIDI K: This is the most comfortable mattress I have ever slept on. I have been through alot of mattress. I have back issues and am not able to sleep on my stomach. With this mattress I have been able to sleep which ever direction that I choose at any time of night.

Inside the Mattress

The Purple Grid™ is a temperature-neutral, gel-like material that adapts to the body’s shape, compressing under a person’s weight and relieving pressure points. This unique layer won’t sag and has open channels, allowing for better airflow.

The poly-foam acts as a transitional layer between the comforting feel of the Purple Grid™ and supportive pocket coils. Poly-foam forms around the body and encourages healthy spinal alignment.

Coils wrapped in fabric minimize motion transfer and noise, and they keep the bed’s surface even.

The Purple® Hybrid mattress has a medium-firm feel, which is great for stomach sleeping. Lots of stomach sleepers tend to struggle with lower back pain, but Purple® Hybrid reviewers who sleep on their stomachs noted how the bed helped, if not solved, their lower back pain when stomach sleeping!

Of Purple®’s mattresses, the Purple Hybrid® is the mid-tier bed. It has a similar feel to their flagship mattress, the Purple® Original, though it has coils in place of the Original’s foam base. However, the Purple® Hybrid isn’t quite as luxurious as Purple®’s other hybrid bed, the Purple® Hybrid Premier.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattress for Kids

Of all of Sweet Night’s five mattress line-ups, the Breeze has the most customizability. With three thickness options, you can choose the bed best suited for your needs. Compared to Sweet Night’s other memory foam bed, the Sunkiss, the Breeze stays cooler and provides better lumbar spine support.

Sweetnight doesn’t offer a sleep trial, but they do provide a 30-day return policy to customers. They also include a 10-year warranty, covering sagging greater than 1.5 inches.

How laying Down Feels

The medium-firm feel of the Sweetnight gel memory foam mattresses enable stomach sleepers to remain level on the mattress surface. Customer reviews say how while the bed is firm, it’s not uncomfortably so, making it easy for them to get comfortable and stay asleep throughout the night.

As a final note, Sweetnight mattresses are free of fiberglass. Perfect for anyone who wants that peace of mind at night.

People who bought this mattress report satisfaction. Here is what some had to say:

Dell: Super comfortable, nice edge support and probably the best sleep I’ve had in years.

Redchef: I have purchased 4 of these mattresses for our rental property and just ordered 1 for our guest bed. Everyone comments on how comfortable these are. I sleep like a dream on these.

Sean from Idaho: Too comfy that i’m always late for work cause I don’t want to get up.

Inside the Mattress

The Sweet Night Breeze gel memory foam mattress comes in three thicknesses: 8, 10, and 12 inches. Our favorite thickness for stomach sleepers is the 12-inch model, which contains 3 inches of gel memory foam, 3.5 inches of air-flow comfort foam, and 5.5 inches of high-density foam. The breathable rayon cotton mattress cover regulates temperature by providing airflow and wicking away moisture.

The thick, gel memory foam cradles the body, particularly the hips and shoulders. Its ability to relieve pressure points in these areas is helpful for stomach sleepers.

The air-flow transitional foam cushions the body and aligns the spine, keeping the body level and preventing sinkage. This transitional foam is also injected with large quantities of air to provide better circulation inside the bed.

The high-density support foam provides good edge support so sleepers won’t feel they’re about to roll off the bed. The support layer also isolates motion, reducing the risk of waking from movement.

Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers Highlights and Comparison

What is a Stomach Sleeper?

A stomach sleeper is most comfortable at night lying facedown on the stomach, or in the freefall position— both arms above the head with one leg slightly bent at the knee. Because the whole body hugs the sleep surface, stomach sleepers need a firm to extra firm mattress to keep the body resting on top and prevent spinal misalignment.

Risks to Stomach Sleeping

Stomach sleeping is the least common sleep position and the unhealthiest. Excessive pressure on the spine causes an increased risk of neck strain and lower back pain. Neck strain occurs when the sleeper twists their head to the side to breathe and holds that position for long periods of time.

Because we hold a large amount of weight in our midsection, sleeping on the stomach causes gravity to pull the weight down, straightening the spine’s natural curve.

Other Sleeping Positions

Side Sleeping

Side sleeping is one of the most common and healthiest sleep positions. Side sleepers enjoy benefits like better breathing, reduced acid reflux, and less pressure on vital organs. Side sleepers need a softer surface to provide extra cushioning to the shoulders and hips. The best mattresses for side sleepers are soft to medium-soft in firmness.

Back Sleeping

Back sleeping is another healthy sleep position— the spine’s direct contact with the sleep surface allows for natural spinal alignment. However, back sleepers risk developing sleep apnea or snoring. The best mattress for back sleepers will have medium to firm support for the back and cradle the hips.

Combination Sleeping

Combination sleepers regularly toss and turn, switching between 2 to 3 sleep positions each night. While combination sleepers reap the benefits of each sleep position, they also receive the drawbacks.

Combination sleepers need a medium to medium-firm mattress to maintain spinal alignment and provide a balance of comfort and support. Such mattresses for combination sleepers respond well to movements.

What Stomach Sleepers Should Look for in a Mattress

Since stomach sleepers face more health risks than other sleep positions, they should choose a mattress with firm mattress support and cooling properties. Also, consider body weight, mattress type, price, and available sleep trials, warranties, and return policies when searching for your best mattress.

Support

Support refers to the mattress’s ability to remain even when weight is applied, maintaining spinal alignment without sagging. Body weight alters the way a mattress feels, but it won’t determine how firm a mattress is. Too much weight on a too-soft surface or not enough weight on a too-firm surface results in uneven support with more pressure points, leading to aches and pains.

We recommend stomach sleepers consider finding the best mattress for back pain to prevent discomfort.

Cooling Properties

Since stomach sleepers hug the mattress, a bed with cooling properties may be well worth the extra cost. Cooling properties regulate body temperature to reduce the risk of overheating. Some of the more popular mattress cooling technologies include:

• Plant-based memory foam: Plant oils partially replace petroleum for a breathable foam.
• Gel memory foam: Memory foam incorporates gel beads or gel swirls, both of which dissipate heat.
• Infusions: Infusing foam with graphite and copper creates a thermo-regulative sleep surface.
• Coils: Innerspring coil support layers provide better air circulation due to their open structure.

Body Weight

Body weight can have a huge impact on the support a new mattress provides, particularly for stomach sleepers. Weight compresses the mattress and will either support the body or break down and sag.

Light

Light sleepers weigh less than 130 pounds. A softer surface is better able to contour to the body in relieving pressure points. Medium-soft to medium beds are the best choice for light stomach sleepers.

Average

Average sleepers weigh between 130 pounds to 230 pounds. Average stomach sleepers need a balance between comfort and support from a medium-firm mattress.

Heavy

Heavy sleepers weigh more than 230 pounds. They need a mattress with comfort and support that won’t sag. Heavy stomach sleepers will be most comfortable on a firm mattress.

Mattress Type

Each mattress type provides sleepers with its own unique feel, like the gentle give of memory foam versus the responsive bounce of an innerspring. Most mattress models offer different firmness options to choose from— choose the firmness based on your body weight for quality sleep.

Memory Foam

A memory foam mattress conforms to the body, hugging its curves to relieve pressure points. Memory foam has excellent motion isolation and sleeps silently. There is a slight risk of overheating while sleeping on a memory foam mattress because of its dense structure. However, choosing a memory foam mattress with cooling properties, like gel, can minimize the risk of overheating.

Innerspring

An innerspring mattress provides a bouncy surface and great edge support. Innerspring mattresses also have natural cooling abilities through the open structure of their support layer, allowing for more airflow. Some drawbacks to an innerspring mattress include less pressure relief from the thin comfort layer (usually a pillow top), and reduced motion transfer isolation.

Latex

A latex mattress may contain one of two forms of latex foam— natural or synthetic. Natural latex is made from rubber tree sap, while synthetic latex is made through a chemical process. Latex is similar to memory foam— it relieves pressure points, isolates motion, and sleeps silently, but unlike memory foam, latex is cooler and more responsive. A drawback to a latex mattress is its price point— latex mattresses cost more than other types, depending on the latex type they contain.

Hybrid

A hybrid mattress offers the best of both memory foam and innersprings— a pressure-relieving comfort layer with the responsive bounce from a coil support layer. Hybrid mattresses also come with the drawbacks of a memory foam and an innerspring mattress, including less pressure relief, less motion isolation, noise potential, and overheating. Hybrid mattresses are also both heavy and expensive because of the amount of materials they contain.

Price

Before searching for a mattress, set a budget based on the type of mattress you want. The average price for a high-quality queen size mattress is about $1200. Try to budget in potential fees, like shipping and handling or white glove delivery service.

With a rough budget in mind, a mattress-in-a-box brand might be the best option. Mattress-in-a-box beds are sold online, then shipped to the customer’s door compressed and rolled up inside of a box. Online mattress companies sell directly to the consumer, cutting out the need for retail stores and salesmen, and instead offer mattresses with higher-quality materials at a lower cost to consumers.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattress in a Box

Online mattress companies also don’t pressure customers to buy and provide extended sleep trials to help customers find the right mattress without the hassle.

You can also save big by taking advantage of the year’s big mattress sales:

• Best MLK Day Mattress Sales
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• Best 4th of July Mattress Sales
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Sleep Trials, Warranties, and Return Policies

Sleep trials, mattress warranties, and return policies are assurances to potential buyers of a solid choice in a quality product. Most mattress manufacturers offer a sleep trial and a warranty with each mattress purchase, or a return policy in place of a sleep trial. Avoid mattresses which don’t include either a sleep trial or return policy and warranty— the absence of these company policies could be a sign of a poorly-made bed.

Sleep Trial

Sleep trials allow a customer to try a mattress at home. This trial period usually lasts between 90 to 120 nights; some mattress companies require customers to keep the mattress for a certain amount of time to allow the body to break in a new bed. If, during the sleep trial, the customer isn’t happy with the mattress, most companies will arrange to pick it up before issuing a full refund.

Warranty

A warranty protects a new mattress from manufacturing defects and flaws which could damage the bed, as well as sagging greater than 1 inch (this measurement may vary, depending on the brand). To protect both your mattress and the warranty, invest in a mattress protector. Most warranties become void if the bed becomes damaged from liquid spills, but a mattress protector shields the bed from any spills or stains, and could even extend the life of your mattress.

Return Policy

A return policy is an okay substitute if a new mattress doesn’t include a sleep trial. Most return policies last 30 days— about the same time it takes for most sleepers to adjust to a new bed. Customers can return the mattress for a refund if they don’t like it.

Saving on a Mattress for Stomach Sleeping

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Other Things to Consider

What firmness is best for stomach sleepers?

Medium-firm to firm is the best mattress firmness for stomach sleepers, keeping the body resting on the surface while relieving pressure points without risk of it sinking.

Why is it bad to sleep on your stomach?

Sleeping on your stomach puts unnecessary pressure on your spine and usually causes lower back pain. When you sleep flat on your stomach, your center of gravity shifts to your midsection and causes your stomach to sink into the mattress. If your mattress cannot support your weight, it leads to chronic aches and pains. Plus, stomach sleepers have to twist their heads to the side to breathe at night. So it’s safe to say that sleeping with an arched lower back and twisted neck isn’t the healthiest for you.

How do I stop sleeping on my stomach?

Train your body sleep on its side by continuously shifting back to the side if you wake lying on your stomach. Try sleeping on a sofa for a few nights— the narrow surface can encourage your body to stay on its side, especially with your back pressed against the sofa.

What pillow is best for stomach sleepers?

Some stomach sleepers prefer to go pillow-less, but many find comfort using very thin foam or feather pillows. Thinner pillows slide right below your head and keep your neck in line with the rest of your body. Stomach sleepers should avoid thicker pillows because they cause the neck to crane up.

Does putting a pillow under your stomach make stomach sleeping more comfortable?

Most of the time, yes! Many stomach sleepers put a pillow beneath their belly to offer extra support and prevent their back from arching. Of course, we suggest switching sleeping positions if you can, but if you cannot, a pillow beneath you can help.

Conclusion

After reading through our guide, we hope you feel more confident in finding the best mattress for stomach sleepers. Choose a bed based on your current weight and avoid softer mattresses— too much softness causes the body to sink too deeply into the bed, producing more pressure points and throwing the spine out of alignment.