9 Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers in 2024

Even if you manage to snooze straight through the night, sleeping on your stomach can have you feeling stiff—and cranky—when your eyes flutter open in the morning. “Stomach sleeping is the least ideal position, compared to back and side, when it comes to neck and low back pain,” Naimish Baxi, MD, physiatrist at Hospital for Special Surgery, tells SELF.

The reason? Lying on your stomach, especially with your head turned to one side and propped up on a fluffy pillow, can throw your spine out of its neutral alignment (what it’s called when the natural curves of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine are present). This unnatural position of your neck and back can lead to pain, stiffness, and overall discomfort, Chester Wu, MD, a board-certified sleep medicine specialist and psychiatrist with a private practice in Houston, tells SELF.

While experts, like Dr. Wu, say it’s difficult to avoid back and neck pain when you sleep on your stomach, the right bed can alleviate some of those morning aches and kinks. Our picks for best mattress for stomach sleepers, therefore, have not only been voted comfiest for lying in a prone position by our team of testers, but are also designed with supportive, pressure-relieving materials (think: coils and foam) to help sleepers maintain spinal alignment.

Top picks for the best mattresses for back pain

• Best Overall Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: The WinkBed
• Best Hybrid Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: Helix Dawn
• Best Memory Foam Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: DreamCloud Original Memory Foam
• Best Mattress for Side and Stomach Sleepers: Nectar Premier Hybrid
• Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers with Back Pain: Saatva Classic
• Best Soft Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: Bear Elite Hybrid
• Best Cooling Mattress Stomach Sleepers: Nolah Evolution
• Best Affordable Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
• Best Firm Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: Titan Plus

In this article

• Shop the best mattresses for stomach sleepers
• What to look for when mattress shopping for a stomach sleeper
• What types of mattresses are best for stomach sleepers?
• Is stomach sleeping bad for you?
• How we tested these mattresses
• FAQs

• Medium firmness feels springy and supportive, according to our testers
• Includes heat-wicking, breathable materials
• Has lumbar support

• May feel too firm for sleepers used to memory foam, according to our tester
• More expensive than other options

Why we picked it: The luxury firm model of the WinkBed takes the cake as the best mattress for stomach sleepers thanks to its ultra-supportive combo of memory foam and springs. The pillow top foam layer is constructed to gently cradle your back, hips, and shoulders, while the coils deep in the mattress aim to keep your back lifted and aligned. One tester found the WinkBed to have a springy, firm feel and cushioning that’s strong enough to prevent your body from slowly sinking into the bed—ideal features for a tummy sleeper in need of some help in the spine-alignment department.

Our fave features: As you dream, three layers of heat-busting materials (including Tencel and gel-infused foam) work to promote airflow through the mattress while wicking moisture and pulling heat away from your body. (Because of these features, we also named the WinkBed as the top cooling option among the best mattresses for back pain.)

Who it’s for: If you’re a combination sleeper who occasionally tosses and turns in the night, this mattress is also a worthwhile investment. In our testing, we found the bouncy bed to be highly responsive (meaning the surface handles pressure well and springs back to its original shape quickly). This means folks in any sleeping position won’t feel “stuck,” and stomach sleepers can expect enough plushness to cushion their pressure points.

Just so you know: This mattress won’t offer the same body-molding feel of cushy memory foam mattresses (which your side-sleeping SO may prefer), our tester says.

Material: Hybrid | Firmness: Multiple available: Softer, luxury firm, firmer, and plus (testers spent the most time on the luxury firm, a 7 out of 10) | Trial period: 120 nights | Warranty: Lifetime | Shipping: Free

Best Hybrid Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: Helix Dawn

• Sturdy, firm construction helps maintain neutral spine alignment
• Testers say it’s good for relieving hip pressure for stomach sleepers
• Breathable cover and coils help keep you cool
• Supported edges help prevent sagging

• May put too much pressure on shoulders and hips for side sleepers
• Some reviewers say it feels softer than they expected
• Limited-time (as opposed to lifetime) warranty

Why we picked it: The Helix Dawn is the brand’s firmest model, and it was designed specifically with stomach and back sleepers in mind. The hybrid bed’s responsive latex-foam layers up top are sturdy enough to support your hips and spine while still being plush for comfort, and its individually wrapped coils underneath keep motion transfer (essentially how much you feel movement from the other side of the bed) minimal. The combo of materials encourages a natural spine alignment that’s ideal for preventing back aches.

Our fave features: Based on testing, this mattress is a pressure-relieving slam dunk that stands to ease tension in the hips, shoulders, and lower back for folks who sleep on their stomachs. We conduct our pressure-map test by having a reviewer lie atop a tech-enabled cover on the bed and then cycle through sleeping positions. The cover measures where pressure builds in the body in each position, and it creates a visualization to display results. For the Dawn, pressure was minimal across the entire body when lying on the stomach—the best results of all sleeping positions.

Who it’s for: The Helix Dawn is also a great fit for folks who sleep hot—which is often the case for stomach sleepers, Dr. Wu says, because the position itself can trap heat. The mattress is equipped with a breathable knit cover and coils that allow for airflow, and you can upgrade to a cooling pillow top (for an additional $299) to help draw heat away.

Just so you know: The same pressure map test that found the Dawn to be a good choice for stomach sleepers showed more areas of buildup for side- and back sleepers. If your partner isn’t also a stomach sleeper and is prone to achy joints, it’s a point worth considering.

Material: Hybrid | Firmness: Firm (a 7.5 out of 10) | Trial period: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years | Shipping: Free

Best Memory Foam Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: DreamCloud Original Memory Foam

• Surprisingly firm for a memory foam mattress, according to a tester
• Minimal motion transfer means your partner’s movements shouldn’t wake you
• Excellent edge support so won’t risk falling off the side

• All-foam construction doesn’t facilitate airflow as well as a hybrid or innerspring mattress
• May be too firm for side-sleeping partners

Why we picked it: Spend just a few minutes lounging on this cushy mattress, and you’ll be tempted to curl up for a cat nap. At least, this was the case for one of our testers. But even with its plush materials that helped it land the title of “most comfortable mattress in a box,” this memory foam provides enough support for stomach sleepers to avoid back pain.

How it stacks up: The DreamCloud Foam is equipped with a thick, stable base foam layer, a middle layer meant to promote proper spinal alignment, and a gel layer that conforms to your pressure points for a painless night of shut-eye. Up top are two memory foam layers that cushion and contour around your body as you drift into dreamland.

Just so you know: The cashmere-blend quilted cover gives this mattress an elegant look and soft touch when you’re swapping out the sheets, but the bed may run hot for some sleepers. One of our testers notes that the foam tends to hold onto heat, and since the DreamCloud is free of coils that conduct airflow, the breathable cover can provide only so much relief. (If you fall in love with the way this comfy mattress otherwise feels, cooling bedding may be able to help you out.)

Material: Foam | Firmness: Firm (a 7 out of 10) | Trial period: 365 nights | Warranty: Lifetime | Shipping: Free

Best Mattress for Side and Stomach Sleepers: Nectar Premier Hybrid

• Bouncy enough to easily switch between sleeping positions
• Pressure-relieving memory foam top layer
• Breathable cover to help prevent sweaty nights

• May be too soft for some stomach sleepers
• Average motion transfer; you’ll likely feel your partner getting into and out of bed

Why we picked it: If you flip-flop between sleeping positions, you’ll want a mattress that can offer supreme comfort whether you’re lying face-down or on your side. Enter: the Nectar Premier Hybrid, which is constructed with a combination of foams that mold to your body, encourage spinal alignment, and create a satisfying bounce. Its innerspring coils add responsive cushioning, airflow, and edge support. According to our testing, you can expect to easily switch between sleeping styles and quickly settle into your new position.

Who it’s for: While resting on their stomach, our testers felt this mattress provided a nice lift to their lumbar area, thanks to the addition of the ultra-supportive “ActiveLift” foam layer. Lying on their side, our tester says their spine felt supported, with minimal pressure build-up around the joints.

Just so you know: Still, some stomach sleepers who have larger bodies may find this pick too soft for their liking. If you generally sink into memory foam-topped mattresses when lying prone, opt for a firmer model.

Material: Hybrid | Firmness: Soft (a 6 out of 10) | Trial period: 365 nights | Warranty: Lifetime | Shipping: Free

Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers with Back Pain: Saatva Classic

• Multiple firmness options
• Supportive lumbar area
• Cotton cover and coils help with airflow
• Available in two heights to work with short or tall bed frames

• Combination sleepers may feel shoulder and hip discomfort when lying on their sides
• You may feel your partner toss and turn through the night

Why we picked it: Thanks to its “floating on top” feel and extra support for the lumbar area, the Saatva Classic checks off the key boxes for stomach sleepers who have back pain. (Not for nothing, we named it the best overall in our list of mattresses for folks with back pain.)

Our fave features: The mattress is designed with a coil system that adjusts to fit your body’s natural curves, with firmer coils in the center third of the bed (where your lower back rests) to encourage healthy spinal alignment. It also features a three-inch pillow top that cradles your pressure points.

Who it’s for: One stomach-sleeping tester, who typically prefers plush beds, initially thought the mattress was too firm for her body. However, she became a convert after getting a better-than-usual night of sleep on the Saatva Classic. A side sleeper had a similar experience; despite initial concerns about the firmness, she found herself comfortably nestling into the pillow top. So, combination sleepers or stomach sleepers with side-sleeping partners can each count the Saatva as a great option for their bedroom.

Just so you know: The price tag is higher for the Saatva than other beds on our list—but our testers say it’s one of the most luxurious mattresses they’ve ever tried. For a more affordable option, consider the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid.

Material: Innerspring | Firmness: Multiple available: Plush soft, luxury firm, firm (our testers spent the most time on luxury firm, a 7 out of 10) | Trial period: 365 nights | Warranty: Lifetime | Shipping: Free with in-room setup

Best Soft Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: Bear Elite Hybrid

• Bounce and responsiveness makes it easy to switch positions
• Memory foam keeps the mattress soft while spring coils provide spinal support
• Copper-infused foam make for a cooler sleep experience
• Available in multiple firmness options

• Has a higher price tag than other options

Why we picked it: The Bear Elite Hybrid is a winner for stomach sleepers who just can’t quit a super-plush mattress. One tester says the bed felt soft around the body, but that their hips didn’t sink at any point when lying on it. One combination sleeper even described the cushy bed as “buoyant yet still pressure-relieving.”

Our fave features: The zoned spring coil system underneath the top two layers of foam supports your body in the places you need it most: the lumbar area. A big part of why we named the bed as the best mattress for side sleepers is thanks to its pressure-relieving abilities.

The Bear Elite is also a solid option for hot sleepers, given its cover made from a thermoregulating fabric, copper-infused memory foam to dissipate heat (the metal is efficient at transferring heat from warmer-temp areas to cooler ones), and breathable coils. When we put its cooling abilities to the test, the features held up; the bed rose in temperature less than 10 degrees Fahrenheit, which we consider a good result.

Material: Hybrid | Firmness: Multiple available: Soft, medium, and firm (our testers spent the most time on the medium, a 6 out of 10) | Trial period: 120 nights | Warranty: Lifetime | Shipping: Free

Best Cooling Mattress Stomach Sleepers: Nolah Evolution

• Breathable foam, coils, and innovative ventilation enhances cooling
• Pressure-relieving for hips, according to our tester
• Absorbs motion well, so you won’t feel your partner toss and turn

• Has a higher price tag than other hybrid mattresses
• Not as bouncy as other hybrid mattresses, making it more challenging to switch between sleep positions

Why we picked it: The Nolah Evolution wins for stomach sleepers who want to keep things chill. Its plush quilted topper, constructed from breathable foam, claims to transfer heat—and based on the perfect 5 out of 5 score for cooling it earned in testing, we’d say that it delivers.

Our fave features: The Nolah Evolution offers great features for stomach sleepers: strategically placed coils that provide extra lift exactly where you need it, a fluffy top layer that cushions your joints, and pressure-relieving foam that evenly distributes body weight so you won’t feel tension building up overnight. To increase comfort in the shoulder area—which can feel tight after lying on firmer mattresses—a deeper layer of foam is “hole-punched” (read: perforated) for more flexibility.

Who it’s for: According to stomach-sleeping testers, the Nolah Evolution offers tons of cushion and light pressure relief for the hips without forgetting the lumbar region—a rare combo of pressure-relieving comfort for folks who deal with joint and back pain, according to one reviewer.

Just so you know: Our testers suggest people who are larger or tend to sink into their mattress should opt for the firm model.

Material: Hybrid | Firmness: Multiple available: Plush, luxury firm, and firm (testers spent the most time on luxury firm, a 7 out of 10) | Trial period: 120 nights | Warranty: Lifetime | Shipping: Free

• Most affordable option on this list
• Strong edge support, so you can spread out as far as you’d like
• Bouncy enough to easily change sleep positions

• Limited warranty
• May feel too soft for some sleepers
• Transfers motion easily, so you’ll feel your partner or pet move around

Why we picked it: At a fraction of the price of other top mattress picks for stomach sleepers, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid blends pressure-relieving foam with supportive coils to provide a restful night of shut-eye. Our testers gave it a 4.5 out of 5 rating in terms of value, considering the features you get for the low price (which is even lower if you snag it during a sale).

Who it’s for: One tester says she was comfortable in a stomach-sleeping position on this bed, with her hips supported, spine neutral, and body lifted.

How it stacks up: Underneath the moisture-wicking quilted top, there’s a 1.5-inch layer of responsive foam, so you won’t feel stuck in quicksand as you flip from your stomach to your side. A second layer of foam provides additional support, and below that, hundreds of individually encased coils allow this mattress to conform to your body while reducing motion.

Material: Hybrid | Firmness: Multiple available: Soft, medium, firm (testers spent the most time on medium, a 6.5 out of 10) | Trial period: 120 nights | Warranty: 10 years | Shipping: Free

Best Firm Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: Titan Plus

• Super firm to promote a neutral spine in a prone or supine position
• Bouncy materials make it easy to change sleep positions and roll out of bed
• Gel-infused cooling memory foam helps to keep sleeping temperature comfortable
• Durable edge support to prevent sinking

• Motion easily transfers, so light sleepers may wake up if they feel their partner or pet moving
• May be too firm for side-sleeping partners
• Limited warranty

Why we picked it: If you like a firmer bed, this mattress from Titan belongs in your bedroom. The winner of our “best mattress for stomach sleepers” title within our roundup of the best beds of 2024 isn’t too plush, one tester says, and without much, if any, sinkage as you snooze, it should be supportive for stomach sleepers of many body sizes and types.

Our fave features: The top-tier stability comes from the high-density foam layers and steel coils that reinforce the edges for strong support around the perimeter. The Titan Plus earned a 4.5 out of 5 in edge support, which makes it great for folks with mobility issues who can make use of the sturdy perimeter to support themselves while getting out of bed.

The Titan Plus’s gel-infused top layer draws heat away from your body; in our testing, we found the mattress temperature rose less than six degrees after lying on it. For an even breezier night of sleep, you can add a cooling cover to your order, starting at an additional $100 (actual price depends on mattress size).

Just so you know: Given its firmness, this mattress for stomach sleepers may not be the best option if you occasionally flip to your side or have a side-sleeping partner. In this position, your shoulders and hips could feel like they’re digging into the bed.

Material: Hybrid | Firmness: Firm (a 7.5 out of 10) | Trial period: 120 nights | Warranty: 10 years | Shipping: Free

Before you drop a good chunk of change on a brand-new bed, make sure you consider these important features:

• Firmness: Stomach sleepers generally need a firmer mattress that supports proper spinal alignment, experts say. With softer beds, your hips and shoulders can “sink” into the cushion in an unnatural curve, leading to aches and pains.
• Material: Material and firmness tend to go hand in hand. Beds made with latex, coils (often called innerspring mattresses), or a combination of foam and coils are typically great options for stomach sleepers. (More details on that later.)
• Lumbar support: Some of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers offer “zoned support,” meaning different parts of the mattress are firmer than others (such as stronger coils placed in the lumbar area), which further promotes proper spinal alignment.
• Responsiveness: If you tend to flop between sleeping positions, seek out a mattress that’s more bouncy and responsive. (If you press down into a mattress and it quickly springs back to its original shape, it’s responsive.) This will help you be able to move around without feeling like you’re being swallowed by the mattress.
• Cooling elements: Sleeping face-down can leave you feeling particularly hot and sweaty. To reduce discomfort, look for an innerspring or hybrid model because the coils naturally allow for airflow. And if you’re opting for an all-foam bed, certain materials, like breathable covers and gel-infused layers, can help.

Every person has different preferences, and there is ultimately no right or wrong bed for any sleeping position, Dr. Wu says. With that in mind, he recommends testing different firmness levels and mattress materials before you settle on a winner—but he and Dr. Baxi also have some helpful hints to guide you along the way.

If you snooze face-down, you’re best off with a medium-firm to firm mattress, says Dr. Wu. “For stomach sleepers, the firmer the better,” Dr. Baxi adds. “A firm mattress will help with optimizing your spine position, keeping it as neutral as possible.” A softer mattress, by comparison, can create excessive sinkage around your shoulders, hips, and knees. When these points sink too much, your lower back arches more. (For those who are curious, back sleepers will also benefit from a firmer mattress. Side sleepers, on the other hand, should generally sleep on a medium-firm mattress.)

Latex mattresses are one of the best options for stomach sleepers, Dr. Wu says. The material, made from rubber tree sap, is typically bouncy and stays cool. These models may be more pressure-relieving than polyurethane (or memory) foam mattresses—especially on the front of the torso while stomach sleeping—and distribute it more evenly, according to a small 2017 study. But, given their springy nature, you may feel more movement on a latex mattress, so light sleepers with active bedmates might want to think twice about choosing a bed with this material.

Traditional innerspring mattresses, equipped with steel springs, are generally supportive and firmer, which can be a great foundation for stomach sleepers to get a good night’s sleep. As you can guess from the name, they also run “bouncy” compared to beds made of other materials. Innerspring mattresses are generally heavier than other types of mattresses, due to the coils—so keep that in mind for any future re-decorating plans.

Memory foam mattresses that are made with denser, firmer foam layers —such as the firm DreamCloud—can be great options for stomach sleepers. But stomach sleepers may want to “avoid overly soft memory foam or pillow-top mattresses that may cause that excessive sinking,” and, in turn, poor alignment, says Dr. Wu.

The combination of foam and coils that you find in a hybrid mattress can support the spine’s natural alignment while relieving pressure around the joints, including the shoulders and hips—and are therefore usually a safe pick for stomach sleepers, according to Dr. Wu. Many of the beds on this list—including the best overall—are hybrid models.

Hate to break it to you, but sleeping on your stomach night after night may up your risk of aches and pains come morning. (Occasional stomach sleeping isn’t concerning, says Dr. Wu.) This sleeping position puts your spine and neck in an unnatural, excessively arched position, Dr. Wu says. The resulting strain on the joints—particularly in the lower back—can lead to pain and stiffness, he says.

The good news: There are steps you can take to ease the risks. First, sleep with a thin pillow under your pelvis, which reduces lower-back strain, and a flat pillow under your head to minimize neck twisting, Dr. Wu suggests. You can even ditch the pillow altogether.

Then, try gradually transitioning to side sleeping with the support of a body pillow, he recommends. And if you can, speak with a sleep specialist or physical therapist who can provide you with personalized guidance.

In the meantime, Dr, Wu recommends practicing some gentle neck and back stretches before bed or after you wake up. These movements can be a preventative measure for pain and stiffness.

Since this sleeping position can also trap heat, Dr. Wu says, you may find yourself hot and sweaty at 3 a.m. If that’s you, keep your ambient sleep temp cool (about 62 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit) and consider lightweight pajamas and bedding.

We didn’t put just any old mattresses on this list of top picks for stomach sleepers. Each winner underwent a thorough evaluation process from our team of testers. Here’s a look at our full mattress-testing methodology, but in the meantime, we’ve outlined a few factors that are especially relevant to stomach sleepers.

Firmness: We score firmness by having testers of various body sizes lie on mattresses and report how supported they feel (particularly with regard to spinal alignment and hip elevation, for stomach sleeping). We average results for an overall rating out of 10.

Cooling: One way we measure cooling is by using a thermal imaging camera to see how much a bed heats up before and after a tester lies on it. If a bed heats up by less than five degrees Fahrenheit, it’s among the coolest options out there. Mattresses that heat up by 15 degrees or more get the lowest scores (meaning they run the hottest).

Pressure relief: We have testers lie on a blanket-like pressure map that sits atop the mattress. It measures where pressure builds in the body, and then generates a graphic that shows those results.

Here are answers to the most common questions about the best mattresses for stomach sleepers, straight from experts:

When in doubt, stomach sleepers should gravitate toward a firm mattress. Soft, plush-style beds generally cause sinking that can excessively arch the spine and cause discomfort throughout the lower back, according to the experts.

Soft foam toppers generally aren’t the best for stomach sleepers, as they run the risk of putting your spine out of its natural neutral position. Instead of that down pillow-top, grab a topper that’s about two to three inches thick and made of firmer latex or high-density foam, Dr. Wu suggests.

Stomach sleepers often skew hot and sweaty. To combat this, stock up on light, airy sleepwear, cooling sheets, and thin pillows—the latter of which you’ll put under your head and pelvis to better align your spine. You can also use a body pillow to convincingly cosplay as a side sleeper.

With reporting from Sara Coughlin.