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Enjoy Restful Nights With The Best Pillows For Stomach Sleepers

Even if you have a comfortable mattress, sleeping on the wrong pillow can have a significant impact on your quality of sleep and physical well-being. The best pillows for stomach sleepers properly support the head without causing an uncomfortable kink in the neck, which can lead to pain and stiffness come morning. The cool and breathable Bluewave Bedding Hyper Slim Gel Memory Foam Pillow is our top choice, as it comes in multiple loft options and offers comfortable cushioning despite its lower profile.

According to Dr. Grant Radermacher, Doctor of Chiropractic at Ascent Chiropractic, “The thinner the pillow, the less angled your head and neck are.” To promote alignment along your spine and help prevent pain, we’ve rounded up the best pillows for stomach sleepers that are just as comfortable as they are accommodating.

Best Pillow For Stomach Sleepers Overall

A Thin Memory Foam Pillow Made From Cooling Material

Bluewave Bedding Hyper Slim Gel Memory Foam Pillow

Thickness: 2.25 inches, 2.27 inches or 3.25 inches | Size options: Standard and king | Fill: Gel-infused memory foam

Pros:

  • Multiple height options are available
  • Gel-infused memory foam helps regulate temperature
  • Machine washable cover

Cons:

  • Some reviews say it’s a little too soft

The Bluewave Hyper Slim Pillow is a quality pillow with a 4.5 rating on Amazon and over 8,000 reviews. Its profile is just 2.25 inches high, which ensures your head won’t be awkwardly tilted as you sleep; it’s also available in slightly taller 2.75- and 3.25-inch options, so you can choose the height that accommodates your body type and personal preferences. Inside, the filling is made with CertiPUR-US certified gel-infused memory foam, meaning it’s free from harmful substances and toxic chemicals that are found in some foam types. The pillow’s gel foam also helps regulate temperature by absorbing body heat and dispersing it evenly through the pillow. Additionally, the foam has rows of ventilation holes to increase air circulation throughout the night for a cooler, more comfortable rest. With its accommodating range of height options, rave reviews and comfortable, cooling profile, we think the BlueWave Hyper Slim Pillow belongs on the mattress of most stomach sleepers.

What the reviews say: One reviewer raves, “Last night I put my regular pillow case on it, and as soon as I put my head down, I sighed at how amazingly comfortable it was. No fat, poofy and suffocating pillow, and it’s not hard and uncomfortable. It was slightly squishy in a soft comfortable way (like a gel cloud under my head). It was the perfect height for stomach-sleeping.”


Best Down Pillow For Stomach Sleepers

A Fluffy, Loosely-Stuffed Down Option

Brooklinen Down Pillow

Thickness: 6 inches | Size options: Standard and king | Fill: Goose down feather clusters | Adjustable: No 

Pros:

  • Three fill options, but plush is best for stomach sleepers
  • Clustered goose down prevents sharp feathers from poking out
  • Down is fluffy, soft and Downmark-certified

Cons:

  • Requires regular fluffing
  • Spot or dry-clean only 

This pillow is the softest down option in the Brooklinen’s ethically-sourced down pillow line. The key to its pliable plushness? The filling is made with soft goose-down clusters. These clusters are meant to give the pillow a lower profile while keeping its springiness and resiliency intact. Goose down is also considered softer, and more luxurious and durable than duck down. Although a Brooklinen customer service representative said all of its down pillows are approximately 6 inches tall (which may sound thick for a stomach sleeper), the plush option compresses more than the others due to its fill. Cluster-style goose down also ensures that odd, sharp feathers don’t protrude from your pillowcase. Down is often ethically concerning, but Brooklinen’s pillows are Downmark-certified, meaning the down meets quality standards and follows certain ethical guidelines.

What our editors say: “I love down pillows, and when I first tried Brooklinen’s Plush Down Pillow, I knew it had to be mine,” says former Forbes Vetted mattress and sleep editor Lindsey Vickers. “I’ve had it for six months now, and it provides the perfect level of give and cushion night after night for me as a devoted stomach sleeper.”


Best Down Alternative Pillow For Stomach Sleepers

Enjoy A Soft And Fluffy Feel With Sustainably Sourced Fill

Boll & Branch Down Alternative Pillow

Thickness: 2-3 inches | Size options: Standard and king | Fill: Hypoallergenic down alternative | Adjustable: No 

Pros:

  • Entire pillow is machine washable
  • Down alternative material is allergy and animal-friendly
  • Three height options to pick from (soft is best for most stomach sleepers)

Cons:

  • Requires regular fluffing

When you’re a stomach sleeper, your face presses right into your pillow, which might make you think twice about the manufacturing quality and materials you’re so close to. Maybe you love the feel of down, but it isn’t quite supportive enough for a full night's rest. The PrimaLoft Down Alternative pillow is designed to alleviate concerns you might have, like off-gassing, sustainability and allergies. The brand bills Primaloft as a “premium” down alternative, and the product is Oeko-Tex Standard 100-certified, meaning a third party found it free of harmful chemicals that can be found in consumer products. The pillow has an organic cotton shell, too. The soft density option is best for most stomach sleepers since it has a thinner profile, but the medium might be better for heavy stomach sleepers over 230 pounds or stomach-combo sleepers. Boll & Branch recommends throwing the pillow in the washing machine once per season to keep it clean and prolong its lifespan. 

What the reviews say:“I'm a stomach sleeper and it's hard to find a nice soft pillow that works well,” one writes. “This is the right pillow for me. The low loft is perfect for sleeping on my stomach. If I'm on my side I stack two.” Another says, “[I] love this pillow [and have] no more neck pain.”


Best Memory Foam Pillow For Stomach Sleepers

Blended Memory Foam Fill You Can Adjust To Your Needs

Tempur-Cloud Adjustable Pillow

Thickness: Adjustable | Size options: Queen and king | Fill: Tempur-Blend fill | Adjustable: Yes

Pros:

  • Adjustable height
  • Machine washable cover
  • Generous 5-year warranty

Cons:

  • Some reviews note that the filling shifts around after use

If you want the sinkage of memory foam without the firm support that comes along with resting your head on a solid block of foam, you may enjoy the Tempur-Cloud Adjustable Pillow. Tempur-Pedic is known for its viscous, marshmallowy memory foam, and you can expect a similar feel from this feature-rich pillow. It’s stuffed with a blend of the brand’s signature material, which includes breathable, open-cell foam shreds for better airflow and dense foam pieces for head support and structure. It also has an adjustable design, meaning you can unzip the pillow’s inner liner and remove fill to your liking. The cover on the Tempur-Cloud Pillow comes with a few features of its own, including cooling fibers woven into its fabric and a Surface-Guard Tech treatment to prevent the growth of household allergens. Plus, it’s machine wash-friendly.

What the reviews say: “I really love this pillow as I am a side and stomach sleeper,” says one reviewer. “I can say that the key was to take out a gallon-sized plastic bag full of foam from the pillow, and now it’s perfect.” Another says, “This pillow is worth the purchase. Being able to adjust the thickness is the best part. I always have trouble finding a pillow that is ‘flat’ enough. I broke my neck when I was a kid and have metal rods in my neck, and those big fluffy pillows hurt. I was able to take out almost half of the filling and it's perfect.”


Best Latex Pillow For Stomach Sleepers

A Super-Slim, Lightweight Option That's Easy To Take On-The-Go

Elite Rest Ultra Slim Sleeper Latex

Height: 2.25 inches, 2.5 inches and 2.75 inches | Size options: Standard size only | Fill: Latex blend | Adjustable: No

Pros:

  • Packable for travel
  • Three thin profiles to pick from
  • Machine washable cover

Cons:

  • Only one size available

Latex foam is a go-to material for many bedding brands because it’s supportive, durable and eco-friendly, as natural latex is sourced from rubber trees. Pillows made from latex also keep their shape, unlike down or down alternative pillows that require fluffing. Elite Rest’s latex pillow hits the must-have features for stomach sleepers looking to keep their spine and neck aligned with the added benefits of latex. It’s less than three inches tall and provides stability without that “smothering” feeling of pillows you sink into more. 

This pillow is so thin and lightweight that it’s easy to roll up and carry along with you for travel—there’s even a travel case included. You may need to air out the pillow to get rid of what Elite Rest calls a “natural latex” smell that can be on the strong side.

What the reviews say: One stomach sleeper who purchased the Elite Rest Ultra Slim Pillow says they “searched all over to find the perfect pillow for stomach sleepers. I tried three or four different expensive pillows claiming to accommodate stomach sleepers, none of which took the pain away.”After trying this pillow, they say “I love it and I think you will too.” Another reviewer raves, “My son hates pillows. I was the same as a kid. [We are] both stomach sleepers, and I constantly felt like my pillow was in my mouth and I couldn't breathe. Until I was in my teens, I used a completely flat and smashed pillow. I have been looking for a quality, flat pillow for him and this has done the trick.”


Best Pillow For Stomach Sleepers With Neck Pain

Comfortable Fill Relieves Pressure And Promotes Alignment

MOST POPULAR

Coop Home Goods EdenCool Adjustable Pillow

Thickness: Adjustable | Size options: Queen or king | Fill: Memory foam and microfiber | Adjustable: Yes

Pros:

  • Machine washable cover
  • Adjustable so you can tinker with its height until it’s just right
  • Comes with a long, 5-year warranty
  • Made with materials that have hypoallergenic properties

Cons:

  • Some reviews say it sleeps hotter than advertised

Coop Home Goods is a popular brand within the bedding industry, and the EdenCool Adjustable Pillow is the entry-level model within the EdenCool collection. The pillow’s highlight features include its adjustable, hypoallergenic fill made from fluffy microfiber and Greenguard Gold-certified gel foam, and a mesh gusset that circles the pillow’s perimeter to maintain an even distribution of fill. The memory foam supports the head without falling flat, while the soft microfiber provides fluffy cushioning. There’s also plenty of filling you can use (or remove), as it comes with an extra half-pound of material. This allows you to customize its height to a loft where your neck and spine are properly aligned, which helps prevent neck pain. The cover and inner pillow are both machine washable, but Coop recommends that you wash the inner pillow once every year to prevent the foam from deteriorating. Upon arrival, the company suggests you plop your pillow in the dryer to get it fully fluffed.

What the reviews say: One customer says, “I bought this pillow for my son, and after the first use, he said he woke up without neck pain for the first time in a while. He loves it.” According to another buyer who lived with neck pain, “I’ve not slept this good in a long time. No more sore neck in the morning.”


Best Cooling Pillow For Stomach Sleepers

Our Top Cooling Pick With A Soothing Gel Core

Bluewave Hyper Slim CarbonBlue Pillow

Thickness: 2.25 inches, 2.75 inches and 3.25 inches | Size options: Standard | Fill: Carbon graphite-infused memory foam

Pros:

  • Cooling materials help with temperature regulation
  • Three thin pillow height options
  • Machine washable cover

Cons:

  • Cooling technology needs to be activated after opening
  • No king size

This pillow is the cooling version of our top overall pick and it boasts the same comfort for stomach sleepers with added benefits for hot sleepers. If you tend to overheat during the night, the Max Cool Pillow is made from a special type of foam that’s infused with carbon graphite particles to help absorb heat and regulate temperature. According to the brand, the pillow stays much cooler than ones made with regular memory foam and boasts a cool-to-the-touch feel for an immediate cooling sensation. To activate its cooling abilities (and lower its temperature after sitting in a hot delivery truck), Bluewave recommends you place the pillow in front of a running fan for 12-24 hours. There are three height options for stomach sleepers to choose from, and it’s made from CertiPUR-US certified foam to verify it’s free of harmful toxins. Plus, it’s covered in a machine-washable Tencel-polyester fabric that makes it easy to clean. 

What the reviews say: One happy stomach sleeper says, “This pillow is great if you like your head to be level with your body and not angled. It has great rebound and is lightweight and cool feeling under my head.” Another stomach sleeper says, “I sleep in a pretty chilly room (less than 64 degrees) and the pillow dissipates heat very quickly. After a few hours sleeping on it, it certainly loses much of its coolness, but it's still cold enough that I don't wake up and grab a different pillow. If I take a few minutes in the bathroom and come back, the pillow is already back to being cold. It’s pretty impressive.”


Best Adjustable Pillow For Stomach Sleepers

Three Inserts Allow For Custom Height Adjustment

Sleep Number ComfortFit Ultimate

Thickness: Adjustable | Size options: Standard and king | Fill: Shredded memory foam and down-alternative fiber | Adjustable: Yes

Pros:

  • Includes three inserts so you can adjust its height
  • Materials have hypoallergenic properties for those with allergies
  • Machine-washable cover


Cons:

  • Some users say the pillow is too firm

If you’ve been struggling to find a pillow that’s just the right height, the Sleep Number ComfortFit Ultimate might be just the solution. This adjustable pillow is stuffed with three removable inserts, which allows you to tailor its height to your sleep preferences and body type. The brand suggests using just one or two inserts as a stomach sleeper, but you can try three if you have a larger stature over 230 pounds. Each of the pillow’s inserts is filled with a mixture of shredded memory foam and down-alternative fiber for a cushy blend of cushion and support. The cover of the pillow can be machine-washed, but the inserts are spot-clean only. 

What the editors say: Mattress and sleep editor McKenzie Dillon says, “My position as a sleep editor has led me to test well over 25 pillows from top-rated brands, and the ComfortFit Ultimate Pillow is one of my favorites as a predominant stomach sleeper. It’s soft and plush, but it doesn’t fall flat or require fluffing like a down pillow—it keeps its shape all night long. I keep two pillow inserts inside for an optimal loft, but one insert works well for those who want an ultra-slim profile.”


Best Soft Pillow For Stomach Sleepers

Soft, Plush And Filled With Luxurious Mulberry Silk

Cozy Earth Silk Pillow

Thickness: 3 inches | Size options: Standard and king | Fill: Mulberry silk | Adjustable: No

Pros:

  • Silky-smooth cover and premium fill
  • Fill won’t get flattened over time
  • Breathable for warm sleepers


Cons:

  • Spot or dry clean only
  • More expensive than most pillows

The Cozy Earth Silk Pillow is worth the splurge for stomach sleepers who want the softness of a down pillow without all the typically involved fluffing. This luxurious option has a smooth, slightly cool shell that’s made from bamboo viscose, and it’s filled with premium, long-strand mulberry silk for a super-soft feel that doesn’t clump or fall flat. It even carries a warranty against shifting, according to the brand. Dillon compares the Cozy Earth Pillow’s construction to a foam slab because it’s made with one continuous layer of material, but the silk is mush squishier, softer and more moldable. The pillow’s materials are also naturally breathable, helping to keep you at a comfortable temperature during the night.

What the editors say: “The first night I slept with this pillow, I slept seven hours straight without interruption, which is something that doesn’t happen often enough,” Dillon says. “It’s breathable, soft and smooth, but it’s not light and fluffy like down. I was actually surprised at it’s weight, which can be attributed to its 100% mulberry silk filling that doesn’t separate like down. This keeps it supportive and structured, but soft and cushioning at the same time.”


Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted sleep team has an extensive library of content on all things mattresses and sleep, including dozens of pillow guides.

  • Forbes Vetted contributor Camryn Rabideau specializes in commerce writing and testing a wide variety of lifestyle products. She’s covered additional sleep topics like the best CPAP pillows and the best down comforters.
  • Senior mattress and sleep editor Bridget Chapman and mattress and sleep editor McKenzie Dillon oversee the recommendations in this article; both Chapman and Dillon are certified sleep science coaches and have several years of experience testing mattresses, bedding and pillows.
  • We spoke with Dr. Grant Radermacher, Doctor of Chiropractic at Ascent Chiropractic, for guidance on the most important factors stomach sleepers should prioritize in a pillow.
  • This guide is routinely updated to review and reevaluate our recommendations. It was last refreshed in June 2024 by contributor Camryn Rabideau, who added the Sleep Number ComfortFit Ultimate and Cozy Earth Silk Pillow, and updated the buyer’s guide.


How We Chose The Best Pillows For Stomach Sleepers

To find the best pillows for stomach sleepers, we identified best-selling models from reputable brands, consulted experts and compared key features like loft and fill material.

  • We tracked down top-rated pillows from brands we trust and have experience with.
  • We analyzed the features of every pillow to ensure each contender had a suitable loft and fill material for stomach sleepers. Since stomach sleepers fare better with thinner pillows, we prioritized options with less loft.
  • Stomach sleepers have varying sleep needs, which is why we considered a variety of pillows. We included options for hot sleepers, combination sleepers and more.


What To Consider When Buying A Pillow For Stomach Sleepers

Materials

Pillows can be filled with a variety of materials, from memory foam to strands of silk, all of which have unique benefits. These are some of the most common fills you might see in the best pillows for stomach sleepers:

  • Memory foam: Memory foam is a popular pillow fill thanks to its soft, yet supportive feel. It can either be a solid piece inside the pillow or shredded into smaller pieces. Either way, it retains its shape for longer than other styles of pillows, like down. However, regular memory foam does retain a lot of heat, so if you sleep warm, look for a gel-infused foam for better temperature regulation.
  • Latex: Latex tends to be a bit more expensive than memory foam, but it’s still highly supportive and has a bouncy feel. Latex pillows are generally quite breathable thanks to perforations in the material and are more durable than regular foams.
  • Down: Often regarded as a more luxury pick, down pillows are filled with the soft, fine feathers from the undercoat of a duck or goose. These feathers are very plush and make for a malleable pillow, but down pillows need to be fluffed regularly to maintain their shape. Additionally, down can irritate some people with allergies.
  • Down alternative: As its name suggests, down alternative pillows are filled with materials that imitate down—typically some type of synthetic fiber, such as polyester. Down alternative pillows are generally inexpensive and hypoallergenic, but they can become flat over time as the fibers clump together.
  • Silk: Silk-filled pillows are soft and plush, yet they’re substantial in weight. The material is naturally breathable, so they’re good for hot sleepers, and the fill is hypoallergenic, as well. They tend to run for a premium price because silk is a high-end, luxurious material.

Loft

Pillow loft, or height, is one of the most important factors to consider if you sleep on your stomach. To keep your spine in proper ergonomic alignment while lying prone, your head can’t be angled upward too much. If it is, you may experience neck or back pain in the morning.

To keep your spine and neck in a comfortable position, it’s best to select a fairly thin pillow. Our top overall pick, the Bluewave Bedding Hyper Slim Gel Memory Foam Pillow, comes in three heights, including 2.25, 2.75, and 3.25 inches, which are all ideal for stomach sleepers.

Fill

The best pillow filling is often a matter of personal preference. Memory foam is a popular choice for stomach sleepers as it’s soft and supportive, but it tends to retain heat. Gel-infused memory foam helps to solve this issue by diffusing heat throughout the night.

Down or down alternative pillows are another good choice for stomach sleepers. Down pillows like the Brooklinen Plush Down Pillow are very plush and moldable, but their filling may irritate people with allergies and require regular fluffing. Down alternative pillows like the Boll & Branch Primaloft Down Alternative Pillow are hypoallergenic, but they’re often not quite as plush as true down.

Firmness

Pillows can be soft and squishy or firm and supportive, or a balance of the two. Their firmness levels often depend on the materials used and how densely they’re packed. For stomach sleepers, softer pillows are often beneficial, as they allow your head to sink to an ergonomic position. However, if you prefer a more supportive pillow, a memory foam option offers sturdier support for your head and neck.

Return Policy

It’s impossible to know for sure if you like a pillow before trying it out, which is why you should look for a brand with a good return policy. Most sellers on sites like Amazon allow returns within 30 days, but if you buy directly from sleep brands, your pillow may be covered by a longer sleep trial.

Price

Pillows can range quite substantially in price. Some cost just a few dollars, while others may cost $100 or more. In general, more expensive pillows are made from higher-quality materials and last longer before they need to be replaced. Pillows that are made from memory foam and down tend to be quite durable and can often be used for several years. However, if you’re on a budget, there are plenty of inexpensive options that won’t break the bank and still offer a comfortable night’s sleep.


What Kind Of A Pillow Should A Stomach Sleeper Use?

Stomach sleepers should look for a pillow that’s just a few inches thick, as this prevents your head from being tilted upward during the night. Our overall favorite, the Bluewave Bedding Hyper Slim Pillow, is just over two inches thick and uses gel memory foam to cradle your head and neck.

Is It Bad For You To Sleep On Your Stomach?

Sleeping on your stomach isn’t an ideal position for most adults. Many doctors, including Radermacher, advise against it: “For one, if you’re on your stomach, your neck needs to be twisted to the side for eight hours to allow you to breathe. That puts a huge amount of stress on the joints, muscles and ligaments in your cervical spine. Two, it puts your lower back into extension and jams spinal facet joints together, which can make low back pain worse.” To help mitigate these concerns, it’s important to use a thin pillow that keeps the neck and head in a neutral position.

Do Stomach Sleepers Need A Pillow?

When you don’t use a pillow, you reduce the risk of sleeping with your head at an awkward angle—which can lead to neck pain. Instead, a thin pillow that provides some cushion tends to be better for comfort and alignment.