Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers (2021): 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.

Our Top Mattress Recommendation

View on AmerisleepRead AS1 customer reviews

AS1 Highlights

• 100-night sleep trial
• 20-Year Warranty
• Extra-firm
• Heat reducing mattress cover
• Comes in King, Queen, Twin, Full, and Splits

Our Runner-Up

View on AmerisleepRead AS2 customer reviews

AS2 Highlights

• 100-night sleep trial
• 20-Year Warranty
• Medium-firm for cushioning comfort and firm support
• HIVE® technology promotes healthy posture
• Comes in King, Queen, Twin, Full, and Splits

Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers

1. Amerisleep AS1

The Amerisleep AS1 mattress is 10 inches tall and contains 2 inches of Bio-Pur® and 8 inches of Bio-Core®. The mattress cover incorporates a lightweight, breathable cover that keeps air flowing throughout the mattress.

Bio-Pur® is a 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.”

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

As Amerisleep’s firmest mattress model, the AS1 is the best mattress for stomach sleepers. Breathable memory foam keeps the body resting on the surface while relieving pressure points. The Amerisleep AS1 comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty— covering sagging greater than 0.75 inches.

2. Amerisleep AS2

The Amerisleep AS2 is a great option for stomach sleepers who may experience back pain. 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 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.

What makes the AS2 stand out from the AS1 is the Affinity layer with HIVE®. 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.

The Amerisleep AS2 comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty— covering sagging greater than 0.75 inches.

3. Zoma Hybrid

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

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 their 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. For side sleepers, the hips need to remain in alignment with the shoulders so the spine doesn’t bow. 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.

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.

4. Avocado

The Avocado mattress 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.

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.

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 mattress has a medium-firm feel, making the mattress ideal for lightweight and average sleepers. The mattress provides a stable surface to rest on without sagging. The Avocado 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.

5. Bear

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.

Graphite and gel pulls heat away from the body and evenly distributes it for even 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.

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

6. Purple® Hybrid

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.

The Purple Grid™ is a temperature-neutral, gel-like material which adapts to the body’s shape, compressing under 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. 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.

7. Sweetnight

The Sweetnight gel memory foam mattress is 12 inches tall and 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.

The medium-firm feel of the Sweetnight gel memory foam mattress enables stomach sleepers to remain level on the mattress surface. 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.

SEE ALSO: Mattress Size and Dimensions Guide

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 firmer 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.

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 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— 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 bed-in-a-box brand might be the best option. Bed-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. 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.

Sleep Trials, Warranties, and Return Policies

Sleep trials, 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.

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.