Other Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers We Researched
There are many mattresses suitable for stomach sleepers. Here are a few that we liked but couldn’t include in our final list:
- Plank Mattress – While the Plank Firm is on our list, some stomach sleepers might prefer its more luxurious counterpart, the Plank Firm Luxe. It’s also a flippable mattress, but with pocketed coils for support instead of dense foam. It’s priced higher, so we prioritized the original Plank Firm, which offers excellent support and firmness at a lower cost. You can learn more in our full Plank Firm Luxe review.
- WinkBed Mattress – The WinkBed Plus is featured on our list for heavier stomach sleepers, but there’s also a Firm version of the WinkBed that works for most stomach sleepers. It offers the same pillow top and sturdy hybrid construction as the Plus model, but at a slightly lower price.
- DreamCloud Mattress – The DreamCloud is an affordable hybrid mattress with a firmness of around 7.5/10. While we generally recommend it for back sleepers, some stomach sleepers may find comfort and support on its elevated surface. For more details, check out our DreamCloud review.
How We Tested the Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers
We’ve already mentioned some key factors we consider when selecting the best mattresses for stomach sleepers, but let’s dive deeper into the top three: firmness, support, and spinal alignment.
Firmness Level
Mattresses in the 7.5 to 10 range on our firmness scale are ideal for stomach sleepers. For context, 6.5/10 represents the industry standard for medium-firm. It’s important to note that mattresses exceeding 9/10 on our firmness scale are rare. We assess firmness based on input from a diverse team of testers across various weight categories, with each providing feedback on how the mattress feels.
Firmness can be influenced by “individual factors like body weight and specific conditions.” However, it’s crucial to find a balance that supports your sleeping position while ensuring comfort.
Support
Support is essential for all sleepers, but it’s especially important for stomach sleepers. They need a mattress that can handle the weight pressing into the top layers without letting their hips sink too deeply. To evaluate a bed’s support, we test it in all positions and assess whether any areas of our body are sinking in too much or feeling uncomfortably elevated.
It’s important to note that a firmer bed doesn’t always mean it’s more supportive. “A mattress that’s too firm can increase pressure on certain areas, leading to pain, discomfort, or numbness if it doesn’t align with your proper posture,” explained the expert.
Spinal Alignment
For stomach sleepers, maintaining proper spinal alignment is crucial to avoid lower back pain. The spine should ideally follow a slight S-curve, which can be supported by a mattress that keeps the hips elevated. If the hips sink too deeply into the mattress’s top layer, it can strain the lower back. When assessing a mattress for spinal alignment in the stomach-sleeping position, we look for signs of this.
Experts agree that a quality mattress helps maintain natural spinal alignment and body posture, significantly improving sleep quality by preventing pain and discomfort.
What Else Is Important When Buying a Mattress for Stomach Sleepers?
In addition to the three categories we’ve discussed, there are many other factors that contribute to a great mattress. I’ll cover some other important considerations to keep in mind when purchasing a new mattress, not just for stomach sleepers, but for anyone in general
Mattress Type
With so many mattresses available, it can be difficult to distinguish between them. To simplify things, we’ve outlined the most common types of mattresses and whether they’re suitable for stomach sleepers.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses feature thick coils at the base, providing a bouncy and responsive feel. Rather than thick comfort layers, they typically have thin, often tufted covers. Since innerspring mattresses don't offer much pressure relief, they aren't ideal for stomach sleepers, which is why they're less popular for this sleep position.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses combine coils and foam, offering thick comfort layers that provide ample pressure relief, unlike innerspring mattresses. These mattresses may include memory foam, proprietary foam, or latex, and come in various firmness levels. Due to this variety, stomach sleepers are likely to find a hybrid mattress that meets their needs, typically featuring a strong support core of coils and dense comfort foams.
Foam
As the name suggests, foam mattresses are made entirely of foam, typically featuring various types of memory foam or polyfoam layers. The base layers are usually made of high-density foam for lumbar support, while the comfort layers vary by brand. Traditional memory foam provides a slow-moving feel, whereas some brands use proprietary memory foam that offers a more responsive experience. Stomach sleepers should opt for a mattress with firmer, denser foams for better support. (If you tend to sleep hot, keep in mind that all-foam mattresses can trap heat. Look for one with cooling features or choose a mattress with coils for better airflow.)
Latex
Latex mattresses use latex foam, a material that is eco-friendly, cooling, and responsive. Compared to traditional memory foam, latex foam offers more support, making it an excellent option for many stomach sleepers. Additionally, latex is more durable than other foam types, so while latex mattresses tend to be pricier, they are often a worthwhile investment.
Body Type
Body type plays a key role in choosing the right mattress. For instance, lightweight stomach sleepers don’t compress the mattress as much, often perceiving it as firmer than heavier sleepers do. A medium to medium-firm mattress is usually sufficient for lighter stomach sleepers.
In contrast, heavier individuals may require a firmer mattress to avoid "bottoming out." People weighing over 230 lbs might need a mattress designed specifically for heavier bodies, where a firmness range of 8 to 9/10 would be more suitable.
Pressure Relief
For stomach sleepers, support is typically the top priority. However, if you’re a combination sleeper who changes positions throughout the night, you'll also want a mattress that provides some pressure relief. Side sleepers, in particular, need additional cushioning around the shoulders and hips to prevent tension in these sensitive areas. If you occasionally sleep on your back, a mattress with a thick comfort layer that contours to your body’s curves might be necessary.
Some dedicated stomach sleepers may also benefit from pressure relief if certain body parts, like the chest or midsection, press too deeply into the mattress while still requiring support.
Edge Support
Edge support refers to how well the perimeter of a mattress holds up under weight. We assess edge support by sitting on the edge and lying in different positions. According to experts, "Edge support not only indicates mattress quality but, for stomach sleepers, it’s a key factor in overall support, especially in latex and foam mattresses." These types of beds tend to have more give than innerspring mattresses, which can be problematic for stomach sleepers who require firmer, more consistent support.
We recommend seeking mattresses with edge-to-edge coils or additional reinforcement, such as foam rails along the perimeter.
Pillows
It’s also important to choose the right sleep accessories, such as supportive pillows. “The right pillow can significantly impact your overall sleep quality,” as it contributes to pressure relief and spinal alignment, ensuring comfort throughout the night.
Stomach sleepers don’t need a thick pillow. If a pillow is too tall, it can misalign the neck, causing pain and tension. An adjustable pillow might be a good option, allowing you to easily adjust its height. Take a look at our list of the best pillows for stomach sleepers for some great choices. If you often wake up with neck pain after sleeping on your stomach, you might want to try sleeping without a pillow and resting your head directly on the mattress.
Durability
Durability is crucial for stomach sleepers looking to make a solid investment. You don’t want your mattress to develop indentations after only a few nights of use, so it's important to choose high-quality materials like sturdy, zoned coils or dense foams. While price can be an indicator of quality, it’s essential to examine the mattress's construction closely. The materials and their quality can give you an idea of how long the mattress will last and when it might need replacing.
It’s generally recommended to replace your mattress every 5 to 10 years, or sooner if you notice issues like sagging. If your mattress begins to show signs of wear before this time frame (or you've had it longer), it may be time to invest in a more durable mattress.
Company Policies
When purchasing a new mattress online, it's important to consider more than just the mattress itself. Many mattress companies offer perks like free returns, sleep trials, or warranties, which can be great additions but may be confusing to navigate. Sleep trials, for instance, allow you to test the mattress before fully committing, often offering a full refund if you return the bed within the trial period. If you’re indecisive, look for a longer sleep trial, as some companies offer up to a year.
Warranties can be complicated but essentially determine how much of your investment you can recover if the mattress starts to show defects. They also give you an idea of how long the mattress is expected to last. The standard 10-year warranty aligns with the typical lifespan of a mattress. Some companies go even further, offering lifetime warranties, which reflects their confidence in the product’s durability. Just be sure to follow the warranty guidelines—using a mattress protector or rotating it monthly can help prevent permanent body impressions and keep the warranty intact.
