Choosing a comfortable, supportive mattress for stomach sleeping can be challenging. A mattress that’s too soft may sink under the sleeper’s weight, misaligning the spine. On the other hand, a mattress that’s too firm could feel hard against the front of the body.
To achieve quality sleep while maintaining proper spinal alignment, stomach sleepers typically require a firm mattress with some cushioning but minimal contouring. Finding the right balance may seem difficult, but many models fit the bill.
We’ll discuss our top mattress picks for stomach sleepers and give you important information on how to choose the best bed for your sleep style, body type, and budget.
Find Your Perfect Mattress
We know mattresses work differently for different types of sleepers. Use the filters below to help narrow down your options for your best bed.
Read on to see why the following seven options made our top picks list of 2024’s best mattress for stomach sleepers.
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Overall Mattress
WinkBed
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The WinkBed’s high-quality materials, thoughtful construction, and wide firmness selection make the mattress a solid pick for stomach sleepers across different weight groups. Zoned coils ensure targeted support for the midsection, while adaptive comfort layers provide even contouring to alleviate pain and pressure along the spine.
Buy from WinkBeds
All Stomach Sleepers
Soft, Medium, Firm, Extra Firm Options
Great
Bouncy, Supportive Surface
Pros
- Robust design with dense adaptive foams and zoned pocketed coils
- Available in four firmness levels to accommodate stomach sleepers across different body types
- Free firmness exchanges available during sleep trial
Cons
- Foam layers may emit strong off-gassing for the first few nights
- Firmest option carries a higher price-point
“Universal comfort” is a myth, but the WinkBed comes closer than most mattresses to attaining this status. You can choose from four firmness levels, and WinkBeds allows you to exchange the mattress for a different design free of charge if you aren’t satisfied with your initial selection. Our testing shows the Firmer WinkBed (7) and WinkBed Plus (8) are best suited to stomach sleeping, but you can also opt for the Softer WinkBed (4) or Luxury Firm WinkBed (6) if you prefer more cushioning when lying face-down.
Why We Like It
Stomach sleepers on our team weighing at least 130 pounds preferred the Firmer WinkBed and WinkBed Plus. Both provide strong support and resist sinkage when compressed. If you’re a stomach sleeper who weighs less than 130 pounds, the Luxury Firm WinkBed should meet your needs. Testers weighing 130 to 230 pounds also awarded high marks to this model. We tested all four WinkBed designs and each performed well during our temperature control tests. The two softer models earned favorable ratings for motion isolation and pressure relief, whereas the Firmer and Plus performed better in categories like ease of movement and edge support.
How Does It Feel?
The Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer models contain a layer of adaptive polyfoam quilted into the Euro-top cover, followed by a second polyfoam layer. These materials contour evenly to distribute your weight, promote even alignment, and reduce pressure points along the spine. The WinkBed Plus swaps out the second polyfoam layer for 2.5 inches of zoned latex, resulting in a bouncier and more supportive surface. This model is specifically designed for people who weigh more than 230 pounds. Zoned pocketed coils deliver extra pushback beneath your midsection. This means excessive sinkage shouldn’t be an issue no matter which firmness you choose. The coils are encased in fabric and designed to move independently from one another, so you’ll receive robust support without too much motion transfer. A breathable, moisture-wicking Tencel cover encases the mattress.
Most Comfortable Mattress
Helix Dawn
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Helix Dawn is specifically designed for stomach sleepers over 230 pounds and works as intended, with robust pocketed coils delivering exceptional support. Back sleepers on our team weighing at least 130 pounds also felt comfortable on the mattress.
Buy from Helix
Heavy Sleepers
Firm
Great
Bouncy, Supportive Surface
Pros
- Ultra-firm hybrid design offers robust support
- Reinforced perimeter coils minimize sinkage along the edges
- Affordable pricing and free shipping to all 50 states
Cons
- Inadequate cushioning for most stomach sleepers under 130 pounds
- Responsive surface may produce motion transfer for couples
Helix’s mattress line includes nearly two dozen hybrid models, each one designed for specific body types and sleep positions. The Helix Dawn is one of the brand’s firmest and most supportive mattresses, and should be a solid choice for any stomach sleeper weighing 130 pounds or more. Since the Dawn also earned high marks from our back sleepers in the same weight range, we’re recommending the mattress for combination sleepers who use both positions.
Why We Like It
The Dawn’s strong support system is well suited to back and stomach sleeping since both positions typically require a firm surface that won’t sink too much. Our tests show people who use either or both of these positions and weigh at least 130 pounds are good candidates for the mattress. Side sleepers and those weighing less than 130 pounds will probably need a softer mattress — Helix offers other models that cater more to these individuals. The Dawn’s thick pocketed coils produce plenty of bounce. While this helps you move across the mattress, you and your partner may also notice some motion transfer when the other person changes positions or gets up during the night. The foam layers also trap some heat, but steady airflow through the coils should help the surface stay relatively cool.
How Does It Feel?
Our team has rated the Dawn as firm (8). Although the mattress contains two foam layers, you’ll notice minimal contouring on the surface. The pocketed coils also make the Dawn feel responsive and springy, which helps prevent feelings of being “stuck” when you move across the mattress. A stretchy, breathable cover offsets heat retention from the foam and helps you stay cool. If you struggle with maintaining a comfortable sleep temperature, you should consider upgrading to the GlacioTex cover — this fabric is engineered to feel cool to the touch at all times. At 10 inches thick, the Dawn is a medium-profile mattress and won’t require a fitted sheet with deep pockets.
Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
Bear Elite Hybrid
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Bear Elite Hybrid delivers excellent support thanks to multi-zone construction in its transitional foam and pocketed coil layers. This design ensures you’ll feel extra pushback beneath heavier areas of your body without the surface feeling overly stiff.
Buy from BearAll Stomach Sleepers
Medium, Medium Firm, Firm
Excellent
Plush, Adaptive Surface
Pros
- Zoned transitional and support layers push back against heavier areas of the body
- Available in three firmness levels
- Cooling cover dissipates body heat to maintain a comfortable surface temperature
Cons
- Strong off-gassing smells for the first few nights after unboxing
- Couples may find the mattress overly responsive
If you’re a stomach sleeper who frequently feels pressure in your shoulders, lower back, or hips, the mattress you use may be at least partly to blame. Bear’s Elite Hybrid is designed to provide extra reinforcement to these areas, so you won’t sink too deeply where most of your weight is concentrated. This mattress is available in three firmness levels, so you can choose the best option based on your body type — and exchanges are free during the 120-night trial period if you aren’t satisfied with your first choice.
Why We Like It
Our hands-on tests show stomach sleepers under 130 pounds felt comfortable on all three of the Elite Hybrid’s firmness levels. That said, most preferred the medium (5) or medium firm (6) models due to their moderate contouring. Those weighing 130 pounds or more preferred the firm (8) design, which feels exceptionally supportive and conforms very little to the body. If you’re a combination sleeper who switches between your stomach and side or back, the medium firm should offer the balance you need for both positions.
The softest design excelled during our tests for motion isolation, while the medium firm and firm models performed better in categories like edge support and ease of movement. All three provide great pressure relief, but choosing the right firmness level for your body weight is key. Temperature control is another shared strength between the three designs — steady airflow through the coils and a cooling cover both ensure consistent cooling and thermoregulation.
How Does It Feel?
The Elite Hybrid’s feel varies by firmness. The medium soft model feels quite plush and adaptive on the surface, the medium firm lightly contours to the body, and the firm conforms very little. Memory foam gives the mattress a cloud-like quality, but the zoned transitional polyfoam provides noticeable pushback around the midsection. The pocketed coils are also divided into support zones to reinforce your torso and hips. Thicker coils also line the perimeter to limit compression when you lie close to the edges of the mattress or get in and out of bed.
The cover is woven with Celliant fibers and phase change material, both of which are engineered to dissipate heat on contact. As a result, the fabric should feel cool to the touch at all times. At 14 inches tall, the Elite Hybrid is considered a high-profile mattress and you may need to purchase a deep-pocket fitted sheet.
Best Value Mattress
Layla Hybrid
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The flippable Layla Hybrid features medium soft (4) and firm (7) surfaces cushioned with gel-infused foam to alleviate sore spots without retaining too much heat. Our tests show stomach sleepers under 130 pounds prefer the softer side, and those weighing more prefer the firmer side.
Buy from Layla
Stomach Sleepers
Soft, Firm Options
Excellent
Close-Conforming Foam
Pros
- Reversible design offers two firmness options
- Close-conforming memory foam eases pressure points
- Copper infusions are intended to draw heat away from the body
Cons
- Mattress is somewhat heavy and difficult to flip
- Foams may hinder movement during sex
The Layla Hybrid is a reversible model with two different firmness options. With the dual-sided design, most testers on our team found a firmness that felt comfortable. This model is also a good option if you’re unsure of your ideal firmness level.
Why We Like It
The medium soft side is quite plush, which is helpful if you sleep on your side or weigh less than 130 pounds. The firm side is a better fit if you weigh more than 230 pounds, are a back or stomach sleeper, or simply need more reinforcement and stability from your mattress. The memory foam layers are infused with copper, which has cooling properties and can minimize the buildup of body heat on both surfaces. The coils in the support core also generate strong airflow to help the mattress maintain a comfortable temperature.
How Does It Feel?
Both sides of the mattress are constructed with memory foam comfort layers. One sleep surface has a medium soft (4) feel and conforms very closely to the body. The opposite side offers a firm (7) feel with minimal contouring and strong support. The foam layers share a support core made of thick pocketed coils. Coils rest beneath your body to promote a comfortable balance of cradling and support, while the reinforced perimeter prevents excessive sinkage when you get on and off the mattress. The cover is made from a breathable polyester, rayon, viscose, and poly-lycra blend.
Best Latex Mattress
Sweet Zzz Honey Hybrid Mattress
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Honey Hybrid Mattress from Sweet Zzz uses a coil-on-coil design to reinforce your sleep surface and prevent you from sinking excessively. A latex comfort layer provides additional pushback, while a moisture-wicking cover helps the mattress maintain a consistently comfortable temperature.
Buy from Sweet Zzz
Hot Sleepers
Medium Firm
Great
Responsive Latex
Pros
- Latex hybrid design is exceptionally supportive and responsive
- Breathable components help ensure excellent cooling and thermoregulation
- Organic wool batting layer wicks moisture away from the body
Cons
- Couples may experience sleep disruptions due to significant motion transfer
- Inadequate support for some stomach sleepers over 230 pounds
If you’re seeking a mattress that cushions the body and reduces pressure, but you don’t feel comfortable sleeping on memory foam, then you’re a strong candidate for a model with latex layers. The Sweet Zzz Honey Hybrid Mattress is a medium firm (6) latex hybrid designed to feel adaptive and supportive in equal measure. You should also expect a light bounce on the surface of this mattress, as latex is a naturally responsive material.
Why We Like It
The hot sleepers on our team also felt comfortable lying on the Honey Hybrid. Latex doesn’t trap heat to the same extent as foam, and the mattress’ coils generate enough airflow to maintain a comfortable interior temperature. Another cooling component is the cover, which is composed of breathable organic cotton with a layer of moisture-wicking organic wool sewn onto the sleep surface. During our temperature control tests, our thermal sensors detected little to no heat buildup and none of our testers complained about excessive warmth. Certifications from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Global Organic Latex Standard ensure the materials used to construct this mattress have been sustainably sourced. The Honey Hybrid’s sticker price is on par with other hybrid models, and shipping is free of charge for customers in the contiguous U.S.
How Does It Feel?
Our testers enjoyed the light contouring from the latex comfort layer and robust reinforcement of the pocketed coil base. Side sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds were particularly impressed with this mattress, as were our back and stomach sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. The Honey Hybrid excels at edge support. This is largely due to stronger coils lining the perimeter, pushing back against your weight when you sleep or sit along the edges. This feature can be particularly helpful if you have limited mobility and struggle getting in and out of bed.
Best Firm Mattress
Plank Firm Luxe
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Plank Firm Luxe features a firm (7) feel on one side and an extra firm (9) feel on the other. Both surfaces are highly supportive, making the mattress a great choice for stomach sleepers.
Buy from Plank
Stomach Sleepers
Firm, Extra Firm
Good
Supportive Surface, Gentle Cradling
Pros
- Flippable design offers two firmness options
- Above-average firmness is ideal for stomach sleepers
- Strong cooling design due to airflow through coils and minimal body hugging on the surfaces
Cons
- Shoppers must pay a fee for mattress ret urns
- Foam may produce some off-gassing odors at first
Brooklyn Bedding designed the flippable Plank Firm Luxe Mattress to provide a firm surface that offers good support. One side is firm (7) and the other is extra firm (9), giving stomach sleepers two distinct options for even spinal alignment.
Why We Like It
We’ve tested a number of flippable beds, but few offer this degree of firmness on both sides of the mattress. The firm side consists of a 1.5-inch layer of quilted cotton-microfiber fill on top of a 1-inch layer of polyfoam. Another 2 inches of high-density polyfoam completes the comfort system. This side was the most versatile in our tests, accommodating stomach sleepers of all weights.
On the extra firm side, the comfort system uses .75 inches of quilted cotton-microfiber fill above 2 inches of high-density polyfoam. Our team members noted minimal conforming, which appealed to our stomach sleepers over 130 pounds.
How Does It Feel?
The dense polyfoam resists sagging and encourages a neutral spine position. A 6-inch pocketed coil support core also promotes excellent responsiveness. That said, we measured fairly significant vibrations traveling across the surface of the mattress, which could disturb sleepers sensitive to movement. Our thermal mapping tests showed minimal heat retention on both sides of the mattress, which hot sleepers appreciated. If you’re especially prone to overheating during sleep, you can also pay extra for a GlacioTex Cooling Cover made of phase change material intended to provide a cooling sensation.
Why You Should Trust Us
We have many years of experience in the sleep product industry, and we use our expertise to equip you with the information you need to make your purchasing decision.
Our testing team members personally assess dozens of models. For the most accurate overview, the team consists of people with different sleep position preferences and body types. In addition to their subjective evaluations, we look at objective data, including temperature readings, pressure mapping, and weight distribution.
How to Pick a Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
Our sleep experts get hands-on with mattresses to show you which types of beds are best for stomach sleepers. We’ll offer demonstrations of what to look for when deciding whether a mattress is ideal for sleeping on your stomach.
What Do Stomach Sleepers Need for a Good Night's Sleep?
Stomach sleepers typically need a firm, supportive mattress. We’ll discuss everything stomach sleepers should know to select the ideal sleep surface for them.
Some softer mattresses can sag in the middle, causing discomfort in stomach sleepers. Look for a mattress with zoned support in the midsection, which will help promote healthy sleep posture if you frequently use this position.
Find the Type of Mattress That Works for You
To choose the best mattress, it’s important to consider your unique needs and preferences. Factors like temperature control, firmness level, construction, and materials all affect the quality and performance of a mattress. However, each sleeper has different priorities. Sleeping position is one key factor that may play a role in determining what type of mattress is best for you.
When testing mattresses, we’ve found that stomach sleepers typically benefit from surfaces that provide firm support and gentle cushioning. With that in mind, hybrid, latex, all-foam, and innerspring mattresses can all meet the needs of stomach sleepers depending on the construction and firmness level. Which type of mattress is best for a stomach sleeper ultimately boils down to their personal preferences about other performance factors.
Find the Right Mattress Firmness
The optimal firmness level for a stomach sleeper depends on body weight. The same sleep surface usually feels firmer to a lighter individual and softer to a heavier person. Therefore, the perfect firmness for one sleeper may be uncomfortable for another.
As a general rule, stomach sleepers require a medium firm to firm mattress to prevent midsection sinkage that could misalign the spine. However, they may also appreciate surface-level cushioning so that the bed doesn’t feel hard against the front of their bodies.
Keep Your Spine Aligned
Without adequate support, stomach sleepers often experience discomfort due to poor posture. When a mattress is too soft, the weight of a stomach sleeper’s midsection can pull the spine out of its natural curvature. Not only can this contribute to back pain, but stomach sleepers also risk developing other joint and muscle aches. Neck pain can also develop as a result of turning the head to the side, which is exacerbated by an excessively soft sleep surface.
Therefore, stomach sleepers usually need a mattress that is firm enough to keep the spine in its natural alignment while also providing subtle pressure relief.
What Type of Mattress Is Best for Stomach Sleepers?
Stomach sleepers typically do best on a supportive mattress without too much contouring. A variety of mattress types can meet these needs. We’ll discuss how popular types of mattresses perform for stomach sleepers.
Hybrid Mattresses
A hybrid mattress uses a combination of materials for a balanced sleep experience. Typically, a pressure-relieving foam or latex comfort layer contours to the sleeper’s shape, and a coil core adds support, bounce, and breathability. Hybrids often help stomach sleepers maintain their spinal alignment while cushioning the body. Individuals looking for a combination of responsiveness, motion isolation, breathability, and edge support may gravitate toward hybrid models.
Innerspring Mattresses
While some manufacturers use the terms hybrid and innerspring interchangeably, most recognize traditional innerspring mattresses as beds with coils, a cover, and no significant comfort system.
An innerspring mattress can meet a stomach sleeper’s needs. With minimal cushioning, they should enjoy more direct support from the core. However, before making a purchase, you should consider whether a spring-based model offers the support you need.
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses are made with either natural, synthetic, or blended latex in the comfort and support layers. Thanks to its low point elasticity, latex spreads compression over a wider area to relieve pressure while preventing the body from sinking excessively. For stomach sleepers, this limits midsection sinkage that could put a strain on the lower back.
Since latex mattresses are generally highly breathable, hot sleepers may prefer them to all-foam options. Natural latex models are also popular with eco-conscious shoppers.
Foam Mattresses
Foam mattresses often include several layers with varying types of foam intended to balance contouring and support. Models with memory foam tend to conform more closely to the body, which may appeal to stomach sleepers who enjoy a hugging sensation. However, keep in mind that firm support is often essential to maintaining good posture for people who sleep on their stomach.
What's the Best Mattress Firmness for Stomach Sleepers?
Medium firm or firm is usually the best mattress firmness for stomach sleepers. The ideal firmness level for you depends largely on your weight and body type. The more you weigh, the firmer the surface should be to prevent your midsection from sagging.
Our Firmness Scale and the Ideal Range for Stomach Sleepers
We use a 10-point scale to rate the firmness of every model we test and review. Lower numbers equate to a softer mattress, while higher numbers indicate a firmer surface.
Body weight is a crucial consideration, because how much you weigh affects how you perceive firmness. The ideal firmness range for most stomach sleepers is between 5 and 8 on the 10-point scale, which is medium, medium firm, or firm. Stomach sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds typically prefer the lower end of this range, while those over 230 pounds generally favor the higher end.
Are Firm Mattresses Good for Stomach Sleepers?
Firm mattresses are generally good options for stomach sleepers. Most people who sleep on their stomachs need a firm mattress to maintain proper posture through the night. If a mattress is too soft, your midsection can sink more than the rest of your body, misaligning the spine and potentially causing discomfort.
What Is Your Ideal Firmness – Video
In the video below, our sleep experts explore the pros and cons of firm mattresses to determine which firmness level is best suited for your sleep position.
Last Things Stomach Sleepers Should Think About
Stomach sleepers often experience discomfort, stiffness, and soreness due to improper spinal alignment. Neck pain is also common as a result of turning the head to breathe. While stomach sleepers often experience certain drawbacks, the position may help relieve symptoms of sleep apnea, and the right accessories can improve the quality of rest.
What Kind of Mattress Will Help With Back Pain?
Firm mattresses reduce back pain for many stomach sleepers. On a soft mattress, the body may form an uncomfortable U-shape that can lead to lower back pain and sleep disruption. To avoid discomfort, the mattress should be firm enough to keep the spine in its natural alignment.
Can Stomach Sleepers Have Sleep Apnea?
Stomach sleepers can have sleep apnea. However, sleeping on one’s stomach may provide some relief from the disorder. In this position, gravity works in the sleeper’s favor, opening up the airways in the mouth and throat. Stomach sleeping can also help reduce snoring for the same reasons. That said, you should be careful to ensure that your pillow in no way blocks your nose and mouth.
What Accessories Are Best for Stomach Sleepers?
Stomach sleepers generally benefit from the same accessories popular among side and back sleepers, but selecting the best options requires understanding the implications of stomach sleeping.
Pillows
Finding the right pillow can be tricky for some stomach sleepers, but it’s crucial for relieving pressure on the neck. A thick pillow is likely to put your neck at an improper angle, potentially causing discomfort. Most stomach sleepers prefer a very thin pillow for cushioning, though some benefit from skipping a pillow altogether.
Mattress Toppers
A mattress topper can adjust the feel of your sleep surface without the need to replace the whole mattress. Stomach sleepers who have a mattress that’s too soft may want to consider a firmer topper to limit sinkage. If the sleep surface feels too firm against the front of your body, you can also select a softer, thinner topper for subtle cushioning.
About The Author
Certified Sleep Science Coach, Director of Product Testing
David is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a lifelong passion for well-being and health optimization. His interest in sleep developed with the arrival of his son, when sleep suddenly became a precious commodity.
- POSITION: Side Sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Hot Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Lion
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