Buying guide for Best mattresses for stomach sleepers
A day full of activities can be daunting and exhausting without a comfortable, restful night’s sleep. To feel rejuvenated when you wake, you need a supportive mattress, and your preferred sleeping position dictates the type of mattress that’s best for you.
Stomach sleepers need a mattress that helps prevent aches, strains, and sores in the morning. In fact, stomach sleeping may be the most dangerous position when not using the right mattress, as the natural curve of the spine is flattened, potentially straining the neck and back.
You can eliminate such risks and provide your body with the proper sleeping surface, but it takes a little know-how. You need enough support to keep yourself from sinking into the bed but not so much resistance that your shoulders or neck feel pressure. As a stomach sleeper, there are particular types of mattresses we recommend and particular types we discourage. Read our buying guide to get the most out of your next mattress purchase.
Key considerations
Types of mattresses
There are three main types of mattresses: innerspring, foam, and hybrid.
Innerspring: This older mattress style features coils or springs. Most innerspring mattresses are firm or medium-firm, offering decent spine support for stomach sleepers. However, they may not contour to the body effectively, which can leave your neck feeling sore if you don’t have a proper pillow for sleeping on your stomach. A mattress that features offset, Bonnell, or pocketed coils is ideal for localized support, but these products cost more than basic innerspring models. Still, innerspring mattresses tend to be the least expensive mattresses on the market.
Foam: Foam mattresses provide a soft, comfortable night’s sleep, reducing noise and motion when you or someone else moves around. Most foam choices like memory foam or gel-foam are soft or medium-firm. Stomach sleepers will want the medium-firm choice, which typically has a higher density. The reason: soft foam mattresses create a sinking feeling that can strain the spine. Foam mattresses cost more than innerspring options, but they typically last longer.
Hybrid: This type of mattress combines coils with foam to create a sleeping surface that is comfortable and long-lasting. Hybrid mattresses marry softness with support, which can be ideal for stomach sleepers. They tend to be quiet without the sinking sensation you get with foam alone. The top layer may be foam, latex, or a combination of materials. Hybrid mattresses are typically the costliest options.
Firmness
Because stomach sleepers need resistance to keep the spine from sinking into the bed as they sleep, a mattress of medium firmness is generally the softest you should go. Going below this threshold with a mattress of less firmness could result in strains and soreness.
Thickness
Mattresses are made in various thickness; most range from 8 to 12 inches. Generally speaking, stomach sleepers should avoid anything thinner than 8 inches if choosing foam or hybrid. Similarly, stomach sleepers should avoid anything thinner than 10 inches if choosing an innerspring mattress.
There are exceptions, however. You may find a thinner mattress with more layers to be adequate. The reason: instead of a simple base and top layer, a mattress with multiple layers includes more materials specifically designed for support and comfort. In these cases, quality trumps quantity.
Size
Proper mattresses for stomach sleepers come in all sizes. Queen and king mattresses are ideal for couples. Double beds are typically reserved for single individuals. For children, a twin-size mattress can suffice.
Arrival
Prepare for the arrival of your new mattress by clearing space so it can get inside your house and into the bedroom. Innerspring mattresses tend to be more cumbersome; hybrid models can be particularly heavy. Some foam mattresses may be compressed for easier delivery.
While there are dangers to sleeping on your stomach without the proper mattress, some prefer that position because it relieves or reduces snoring.
Staff
BestReviews
Features
Eco-friendliness
Some brands create mattresses exclusively from natural and plant-based products. These mattresses are sustainable and environmentally friendly, and with proper care, they tend to have a long lifespan.
Breathability
People who sleep hot or live in hot, humid conditions may prefer a mattress that doesn’t trap heat. Innerspring mattresses allow for better airflow than some other options. However, gel foam mattresses counteract heat buildup with cooling materials, and most hybrid mattresses are made of cooler, more breathable material.
Double-sided
Some mattresses are designed in such a way that both sides can serve as the top. This convenience lengthens the life of the mattress because you can flip it every now and then for even wear.
Hypoallergenic
Most foam and hybrid mattresses are designed to be hypoallergenic, resisting dust and mites that can accumulate over time. This helps protect sleepers while enhancing the longevity of the mattress.
Sleep trial
Most costly high-end mattresses come with a sleep trial that allows you to test the mattress to see how it feels. If it doesn’t work for you, you can return it. The specifics vary from brand to brand. Some companies may allow you 30 days to try out a new mattress, whereas others extend the trial up to a year or even 18 months.
Did You Know?
Mattress firmness is rated on a simple scale of 1 to 10. A soft mattress is around 2 or 3, a medium-firm mattress is around 5 or 6, and a firm mattress is around 9.
Staff
BestReviews
Accessories
Microfiber bed sheets: Mellini Bed Sheet Set
We love microfiber bed sheets for their comfortable feel and longevity. This set by Mellini is inexpensive, durable, and available in a variety of colors.
Pillow: Casper Sleep Pillow
Proper support for your neck and head is just as important as back support. We recommend this pillow by Casper because it is soft while still offering some resistance.
Duvet: Egyptian Bedding Down Comforter
For those seeking warmth and coziness, a quality duvet is priceless. This selection from Egyptian Bedding is a sizable, breathable, and comfortable option.
Mattresses for stomach sleepers: prices
Inexpensive: Smaller mattresses, particularly simple innerspring and foam options, typically cost $500 or less.
Mid-range: Most quality queen and king mattresses, including foam and hybrid models, cost between $500 and $1,200.
Expensive: High-end hybrid mattresses, especially those with many layers of support, cost over $1,200 and typically come with convenient features.
Some mattresses, particularly foam and hybrid options, arrive with a bit of a manufacturing odor. You’ll likely need to air out the mattress for a few days.
Staff
BestReviews
Tips
- Watch for sagging. Some foam mattresses, particularly those made of memory foam, may begin to sag over time. This can prove problematic for stomach sleepers who need proper support around their core.
- Weight influences firmness. Heavier stomach-sleeping individuals will want a bed that’s slightly firmer than average, while stomach sleepers who are lighter in weight can get by with a bit less support.
- Rotate the mattress. To lengthen the lifespan of the mattress and keep it properly supportive, rotate it 180 degrees every few months.
- Buy a protector. A mattress protector, especially one that’s waterproof, offers inexpensive yet valuable safety. It can resist oils, dirt, and dust from skin and clothes and any accidents that may occur.
FAQ
Q. Does sleeping with a partner affect which type of mattress I should buy?
A. Regardless of whether you have a partner beside you, it’s important to find a mattress that offers proper support, as the potential injury can be serious. However, if your partner has a different sleeping style, you’ll need a mattress that meets both of your needs. In that case, a hybrid mattress may be best, as it offers both people some softness and support. You’ll likely want a mattress that’s 10 to 12 inches thick. Look for a mattress that minimizes motion transfer, and keep in mind whether each of you sleeps hot or cold.
Q. What else should I consider if I’m buying a mattress for a child who sleeps on their stomach?
A. Most of the information we’ve covered holds true for children just like adults. From around ages five and up, you’ll likely want a mattress that balances softness and support. Parents tend to seek durable mattresses for their children that can withstand a bit of jumping. In most cases, children are more adaptable and less likely to suffer joint pain, though this is not always the case.
Q. How do I know if a mattress is working for me?
A. If you wake up with aches and pains, your mattress may be the culprit. Of course, lifestyle choices may also affect the quality of your sleep. What’s more, joint and back pain may arise during the day if you work at a desk that isn't supportive or perform manual labor without proper stretching. Pain that dissipates as the day wears on is often suggestive of a faulty mattress.
