Stomach sleeping is generally discouraged by sleep experts but letās face itāsome of us canāt help but flip onto our fronts while we snooze. Whether you fall face first into bed or rotate from your back or side onto your stomach, the best mattress for stomach sleepers is firm enough to keep your hips and knees in neutral alignment, yet soft enough to prevent pressure buildup in those areas. The Saatva Classic is our pick for the best overall choice; we find it hits the sweet spot of support and plushness thanks to a 3-inch thick Euro pillow top and a dedicated lumbar zone.
The Saatva Classic is our top contender as the best mattress for stomach sleepers, and features two ... [+] coil layers, a fluffy Euro top and supportive spinal wire.
Saatva
While the Saatva Classic is a Forbes Vetted staff favorite, it might not be the best option for everyone. Thatās why weāve included a variety of options to suit different preferences, sleep needs and price points. Keep reading for our full list of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers, as recommended by our professional sleep testers and discerning customers like you.
Our favorite mattress for stomach sleepers is the Saatva Classic. It comes in three firmness levels; we recommend the luxury firm or firm option if you like to lay on your stomach. The ability to choose between a mattress with a more medium feel and a firmer one is nice for anyone who has a partner with different preferences. (You have your choice of two height options, as well.)
This luxury innerspring hybrid features a 3-inch Euro pillow top made of breathable organic cotton and two layers of coils. At the center of the mattress are an āactive spinal wireā and a strip of high-density memory foam. Together, these components help keep the hips and lower back supported, which is a must for stomach sleepers. The Saatva Classic wonāt arrive at your door rolled up in a boxāeach mattress is handcrafted to order in the U.S. and delivered flat via free white glove delivery. Removal of your existing mattress and foundation is also included.
What our experts say: Former Forbes Vetted mattress and sleep editor Lindsey Vickers slept on a luxury firm Saatva Classic. She says, āI am a perpetual stomach sleeper who occasionally switches to sleeping on my side. While I found the mattress comfortable in both positions, it truly excelled when I slept on it facing down. It was supportive enough that I never woke up with pain in my lower back, which is something I frequently have after sleeping on mattresses that are softer.ā Learn more in her Saatva Classic Mattress review.
Good for couples, thanks to excellent motion isolation
Memory foam construction good for stomach and side sleepers
Cons:
A touch firmer than advertised
Siena is a brand under the Resident umbrella, where youāll also find DreamCloud (another pick on this list). This budget memory foam mattress is perpetually on sale for $200 to $400 off. However, its 5-layer construction and overall performance rival some of its pricier mid-range competitorsāand it comes with a 180-night trial, to boot. If you eschew memory foam for that sink-in feeling, the medium-firm Siena offers a more subtle cradle thatāll satisfy most stomach sleepers.
What our experts say: āDespite Sienaās self-assessment as a medium-firm bed, I found it decidedly firm when sleeping on it,ā says Forbes Vetted contributor Alison Barretta, who swaps between her side and back when sleeping. (Glean through Sienaās customer reviews and youāll find many who echo those sentiments.) She also rates it high for co-sleeping thanks to its low motion transfer.
Best Mattress For Stomach And Back Sleepers
A Firm Hybrid Made Just For Stomach And Back Sleepers
The Helix Dawn sits at the firmest end of Helixās wide-ranging spectrum of mattresses, and was designed with back and stomach sleepers in mind. It has multiple layers of firmer foam (including a latex-foam hybrid top layer) for a subtle contouring and a responsive bed feel. At the base are over 1,000 individually wrapped coils to gently cradle your body. The mattress is wrapped in a breathable knit cover but if youāre prone to overheating at night, you can upgrade to a cool-to-the-touch Glacio Tex cover for an additional fee.
What the reviews say: The Helix Dawn has hundreds of 5-star reviews from back and stomach sleepers who find it to be the ideal level of firmness for their needs. One satisfied shopper says, āI have enjoyed the support of this bed more than any other bed Iāve slept in. I am a back and stomach sleeper but I have not been able to sleep on my stomach in years because it would hurt my lower back. I have been amazed to wake up on my back, on my stomach, and on my sides with no pain whatsoever.ā
Best Cooling Mattress For Stomach Sleepers
A Luxe Hybrid Wrapped In A Heat-Wicking Cover
Leesa
Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid (Queen)
Mattress type: Hybrid | Firmness: Plush, medium-firm or firm | Trial period: 120 nights | Warranty: 10 years
Pros:
Choose your desired level of firmness
Cooling cover pulls body heat away
Looks and feels like a hotel mattress
Cons:
May feel softer than advertised
Similar to our top overall pick, the Saatva Classic, the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid comes in three comfort levels. (Stomach sleepers want to skew towards medium-firm or firm.) It also features targeted support for the lumbar and hips through a section of reinforced coils at the center of the mattress. The Leesa Sapira Chill, however, boasts several foam layers to contour your body, relieve pressure, add bounce and boost airflow. As for its namesake, itās topped with a cooling cover woven with specialized fibers to draw away body heat and promote a more comfortable sleep.
What our experts say: Forbes Vetted mattress and sleep editor McKenzie Dillon says, āSome beds are just universally comfortable in the same way most people like puppies or a good hamburger. The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid is that kind of mattress. It has a lighter and more airy feel than a true memory foam mattress and accommodates most sleeper types. As a stomach sleeper, I feel it properly keeps me supported and prevents my back from dipping into the bed.ā
With its combination of therapeutic gel memory foam, responsive foam and base foam, the Nectar Premier Copper is designed to keep stomach sleepers supported and comfortable throughout the night. The 4-inch memory foam layer helps contour your body and relieve pressure points from your shoulders to your legs, while a dynamic transition layer encourages proper spinal alignment. Plus, if you tend to sleep on the warmer side, the top cover is constructed with copper fibers and enhanced cooling technology to help ensure breathability and wick away heat and moisture. Right now, take 36% off this mattress and up to 40% off all other Nectar memory foam and hybrid models during the brandās 4th of July Early Access sale.
Latex is heavy so be careful if you need to flip sides
The Saatva Zenhaven is a flippable mattress but we think most stomach sleepers will prefer the support of the gentle firm side. This all-latex mattress has a 5-zone ergonomic layer on both sides for targeted relief and support, aiding in proper alignment no matter how you lay. For conscientious shoppers, the Saatva Zenhaven has a number of green mattress certifications for safety and quality. Itās made with Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-certified organic wool and latex foam that meets Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS), Eco-Institut and Greenguard Gold standards. Keep in mind that latex is heavy so flipping this mattress takes quite a bit of effort. That said, it comes with free in-room delivery and setup.
What the reviews say: One Saatva shopper says, āI prefer the āfirmā side and yet I still like the plush pressure relieving top. It's a truly quality-made mattress and it sleeps like a dream. I sleep on my back, side and stomach and I'm comfortable in all positions.ā If youāre wondering about durability, one customer says, āWe purchased a Zenhaven Mattress seven years ago and have enjoyed every single night weāve slept on it. In fact, we look forward to coming home from trips because we always miss our mattress.ā
Best Mattress For Stomach Sleepers With Back Pain
A Supportive, Luxurious Hybrid With A Competitive Price
Stomach sleepers are at greater risk of waking up with back pain since the nature of this sleeping position causes you to strain your neck. DreamCloudās āluxury firmā firmness level helps with that. Itās constructed of three layers of foam on top of coils, which provides pressure relief and support for your stomach and midsection. The core of wrapped coils adapt to the amount of pressure coming from your side, hip, butt or stomach. The DreamCloudās stay-put technology also reduces motion transfer, which helps you and your partner stay in dreamland even if the other is tossing and turning. If the Saatva Classic is out of your range, the DreamCloud is an excellent, affordable alternative.
What our experts say: BarrettacallstheDreamCloud one of the most supportive mattresses sheās ever slept on. āWhether I slept on my side, front or back, I didnāt feel that dreaded dip in my midsection,ā she says, adding that it was also helped with her back pain. Forbes Vetted contributor Bre Richey says in her DreamCloud Matress review, āMy husband and I are typically both combination sleepers who change positions often at night, but weāve noticed less tossing and turning with the DreamCloud...we [felt] comfortable and supported in all positions.ā
Best Firm Mattress For Stomach Sleepers
A Stable Option With A Flippable Construction
Plank Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding Plank (Queen)
Mattress type: Memory foam | Firmness: Firm and ultra-firm (flippable) | Trial period: 120 nights | Warranty: 10 years
Pros:
Offers two firmness levels in one mattress
Recommended by chiropractors
Available in less conventional sizes
Cons:
Thinner than other mattresses at 10.25 inches
The Brooklyn Bedding Plank is dual-sided like the Saatva Zenhaven aboveābut now matter how you flip this memory foam mattress, youāll be sleeping on something firm (or extra-firm, if thatās your preference). It features a thick layer of high-density base foam to live up to its name, with the āsofterā side adding a layer of responsive comfort foam for a little more give. If you know you want a firm mattress but havenāt quite ventured into the higher end of the firmness scale, the dual option lets you go as far as youāre comfortable. Another bonus: itās available in less-conventional sizes like short king or Olympic queen.
What the reviews say: After trying the Plank Mattress, Dillon says, āA truly firm bed is like an acquired tasteāitās not for everyone, but itās some peopleās favorite flavor (or firmness, in this case). If youāre in the market for a firm bed, perhaps youāre a heavy stomach sleeper or simply prefer an ultra-supportive feel, the Plank is the firmest bed Iāve ever tried. You also get two chances to find your perfect firmness level as it boasts a dual-sided design.ā
Best Mattress For Stomach Sleepers And Couples
A Comfy Hybrid You And Your Partner Can Agree On
WinkBeds
The WinkBed (Queen)
Mattress type: Hybrid | Firmness: Soft, luxury firm, firm or plus | Trial period: 120 nights | Warranty: Lifetime
Pros:
Four comfort levels
Minimal motion transfer
Sturdy edges
Cons:
The Plus option costs $200 extra
Stomach sleepers who share a bed with want a mattress with supportive edges that excels at reducing motion transfer. The WinkBed hybrid mattress ticks both of those boxes. It has a layer of stabilizing gel foam plus a sturdy coil layer to isolate movement, while the reinforced coils along the perimeter will allow you to use as much of your sleep surface as possibleāgood if you or your partner like to sprawl out. The WinkBed comes in four firmness levels, including a Plus model thatās designed to support sleepers who weigh over 250 pounds.
What the reviews say: āI have been searching for a comfortable mattress for five years. During that time, I tried two others, one firm and one medium-soft. Neither of them offered good support, but the Luxury Firm WinkBed is absolutely perfect.ā
A High-End Choice With A Fluffy, Luxurious Pillow Top
Stearns & Foster
Stearns & Foster Reserve (Queen)
Mattress type: Hybrid | Firmness: Firm or soft | Trial period: 90 nights | Warranty: 10 years
Pros:
Hotel-like feel thatās supportive and pressure-relieving
Made with Tempur-Pedic memory foam
Breathable with good airflow
Cons:
Expensive with meager extras
The Stearns & Foster Reserve looks like a luxury pickābut the luxe nature of this mattress goes beyond appearances. The mattress contains a layer of Tempur-Indulge memory foam, which was designed by Tempur-Pedic, and offers exceptional pressure relief according to the brand. The coils at the base, which typically provide a good deal of airflow, are made to yield even more: Theyāre encased in pockets with small holes that serve as vents for even better ventilation. The company ranks the firm pillow top model of the mattress as around an 8 on a 10-point scale, meaning it will offer a firm and supportive sensation without compromising on a bit of cushion (thanks to the Tempur-Pedic foam). For a stomach sleeper whoās looking to splurge, itās a great pick.
What the reviews say: āIāll admit that it was pricey, but I am glad I splurged,ā starts one glowing customer review. āI was concerned that it was going to be too soft when it got here. Wrong. The pillow top is soft, and the mattress is firm, so no back ache. I slept like a baby.ā
Mattress editors Bridget Chapman and McKenzie Dillon are certified sleep scientists whoāve collectively tested hundreds beds. They oversee the recommendations in this guide, including any iterations of this story. Dillon is also a stomach sleeper herself.
The author of this story, mattress updates writer Alexandra Garrett, has experience testing mattresses and relied on her knowledge of different materials and mattress types when writing this stomach-sleeper guide.
We enlisted the expertise of our mattress editors for this guide. Chapman and Dillon provided feedback on many of our stomach sleeper picks, based on their experience testing the beds in the real world and in a lab setting.
We regularly revise this guide to reevaluate our recommendations and make sure all advice and pricing is up to date. It was last updated in June 2024 by Forbes Vetted contributor Alison Barretta, who also tests mattresses. This version of the story now features the Leesa Sapira Hybrid Chill as the best cooling mattress for stomach sleepers and the Saatva Zenhaven as the best latex mattress for stomach sleepers.
How We Chose The Best Mattresses For Stomach Sleepers
To find the best mattresses for stomach sleepers, we looked at top-rated models from reputable brands we have experience with. We compared the features of each to vet them for stomach sleeping, and consulted our in-house mattress experts for feedback on all of our recommendations.
Our team narrowed down our selection to medium-firm and firm mattresses since this firmness level is ideal for helping stomach sleepers maintain proper alignment with their hips, back and neck.
We assessed each contender across key stomach-sleeping features including support, pressure relief and edge support. We also considered the sleep trial of each mattress since stomach sleepers can be more picky than sleepers of other positions.
We consulted our sleep editors and mattress testers Bridget Chapman and McKenzie Dillon for feedback on our possible contenders. Weāve also included input from other staff members and contributors, where applicable.
We took customer reviews into account and omitted any mattresses without outstanding feedback from shoppers. No mattress on this list is rated less than four stars (out of five).
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Mattress For Stomach Sleepers
Before you commit to purchasing a brand new mattress, there are a few factors you want to keep in mind.
Mattress Types
Memory foam mattresses provide exceptional pressure relief and contoured support because they mold to your curves. However, they can run hot and may be too soft for average-weight to heavyweight stomach sleepers since these folks tend to sink into their mattress more.
Innerspring mattresses offer a firmer, more bouncy feel. Traditional innerspring mattresses contain a thick base of coils with a thin comfort layer up top. Because of these features, the stomach and hips are less likely to sag when sleeping on these beds, but the chest and shoulders may lack cushioning as these areas press into the mattress.
Hybrid mattresses blend elements of innerspring and memory foam beds together. They contain a coil base topped with multiple foam comfort layers, which makes this type a good option for most stomach sleepers thanks to the balance of softness and support.
Latex mattresses offer deep contouring for pressure points, but without the overheating effect that accompanies all-foam beds. A better option for stomach sleepers who sleep hot, latex beds are also durable and supportive so they arenāt likely to sag overtime.
Firmness
Most mattress brands rank beds on a scale from one to 10 (one being softest and 10 being the most firm), so see where your chosen mattress falls, depending on how firm you want it to be. Stomach sleepers benefit from firm mattresses that sits between a six and a half to an eight on the firmness scale, but medium-firm is another good option, especially if youāre a lightweight sleeper or share the bed with a partner whose sleep preferences differ from your own.
Spine Alignment
When it comes to sleeping prone, a mattress that is too soft can pull your spine out of alignment by causing your hips to sink. This results in uneven alignment, and eventually, back pain. Firm mattresses provide proper support for your front and back, keeping your spine level when youāre on your stomach. This can help ensure that youāre not waking up with aches and pains.
Pressure Relief
Stomach sleepers generally experience pressure around the hips, pelvis, chest and shoulders, so choosing the right mattress can help relieve some of that pressure. Look for a bed thatāll cradle your body enough to keep you comfortable, but not so much that it allows your stomach to sink, which can throw the lower back out of alignment.
Body Type
Your body weight impacts how firm a mattress feels. If you weigh over 230 to 250 pounds, a mattress tends to feel softer than advertised, and if you weigh less than 130 pounds, beds generally feel firmer. With this in mind, a heavyweight stomach sleeper may feel best with a bed that falls in the six and a half to eight range on the firmness scale, whereas a lightweight sleeper may prefer a mattress thatās more like a five or six.
Trial Period And Warranty
Every mattress on our list includes a trial period of between 90 nights and a full year. Your body needs at least a month to adjust to a new sleep surface, especially if youāre transitioning from a bed thatās well beyond its lifespan. If you donāt get on with your new mattress, you can send it back at little to no extra cost.
The warranty included with your mattress is often an indicator of how long you can expect it to last. The standard length is around 10 years but some brands include a lifetime warranty (though, that doesnāt mean you should sleep on the same bed forever). Just be sure to read the terms of the warranty carefully to ensure you donāt do anything to void it, like use a box spring or an improper bed frame. Also note that lifetime warranties are usually prorated after 10 years, after which youāll be expected to pay for a portion of the repair or return fees.
Which Type Of Mattress Is Best For Stomach Sleepers?
The best mattresses for stomach sleepers have medium-firm or firm profiles. Firmer beds prevent your hips from sinking during the night, help to align the spine and distribute pressure evenly and consistently.
Is Memory Foam Good For Stomach Sleepers?
Not all memory foam mattresses are made the same, and there are definitely some models that can be great for stomach sleepers. The key is to look for a mattress with several layers of foam: The base layer(s) should ideally be a high-density foam, and the ones above it slightly plusher while remaining breathable with features, like perforated foams. Brooklyn Beddingās Plank Mattress has both these properties.
What Should Stomach Sleepers Sleep On?
Stomach sleepers should sleep on a mattress that properly supports their hips, so theyāre in line with the rest of their body. Anything too soft causes their hips to dip, but anything too firm can elevate their hips too high or create pressure buildup. Though itās not necessary, a mattress with targeted lumbar support can help stomach sleepers maintain proper spinal alignment so they donāt wake up in pain.
