According to the Better Sleep Council, approximately 17 percent of Americans are stomach sleepers. It is the top sleeping position in the United States. Most of those people have difficulty locating mattresses that provide them with restful sleep.
There are some health issues that can occur when you sleep on your stomach. For example, you may have difficulty breathing while you sleep. Health experts agree finding a mattress that limits those health issues is essential. In this blog, you can find several tips for selecting the best mattress to buy when you are a stomach sleeper.
The Problem: Multiple Health Risks
Do you have concerns about whether stomach sleeping is hazardous to your health? Research indicates that sleeping on your stomach can actually reduce sleep apnea risks. It also has the potential to cut back on any tendency you may have to snore. Additionally, it can temporarily feel beneficial when your mattress is too firm and irritates your back.
Despite those possible benefits, scientists believe the risks of sleeping on your stomach are high. For example, it places you at risk for neck pain each morning. That is because you have to sleep with your head facing toward a certain side in order to breathe while sleeping on your stomach. In the long run, that lack of neck and spinal alignment can cause permanent neck and back pain. Over time, it can also cause numbness in your extremities due to circulation problems. Osteoporosis and bone diseases are also potential long-term consequences of stomach sleeping.
Those bad side effects might be enough to discourage you from sleeping on your stomach. However, there are more. In 2016, the Aesthetic Surgery Journal published an article indicating a possible link between tummy sleeping and wrinkles on your face. The theory is the constant compression of one side of your face during sleep can cause distorted features over time.
The Solution: Buy a Suitable Mattress
If you do not feel comfortable sleeping in any other position besides on your stomach, you have to maximize your spinal alignment and comfort. The only way to do that is to purchase a mattress designed for stomach sleeping. Doing so can cut down on your permanent back pain risks.
When choosing a bed, stomach sleeping is only one factor to consider. You also need to look for a mattress that does not place stress on your joints or pressure points. Firmness level, temperature control, and usefulness for couples are also factors to think about. Below is more information about buying the right stomach sleeper mattress.
Mattress Buying Considerations for Stomach Sleepers
There is one question you need to answer before exploring top mattresses for stomach sleeping. That question is “What factors do I need to think about when selecting a mattress for stomach sleeping?”
The following are definitely factors to keep in mind.
Be aware of the type of mattress and material used to make it.
Each type of mattress is constructed differently and therefore has different qualities. For example, some mattresses may fit your budget due to the inexpensive materials used to make them. However, such mattresses often lack the durability necessary to continuously provide the spinal support and alignment you need. There are four primary mattress categories to consider.
Below are the pros and cons of each.
Memory foam/pure foam
Pros:
Inexpensive compared to other mattresses.
Highly adjustable.
Spinal alignment provided by firm memory foam.
Cons:
Sinking or stuck feelings can occur.
Potential to cause breathing difficulties.
Hybrids
Pros:
Firm surface for great spinal alignment.
Provides a responsive feel.
Offers excellent regulation of temperature.
Cons:
Somewhat expensive.
Heat retention is possible with memory foam hybrids.
Latex
Pros:
Quite responsive.
Provides excellent airflow.
Eco-friendly type of mattress.
Cons:
Can be expensive.
Talalay latex can be too soft for some stomach sleepers.
Innerspring
Pros:
Very bouncy.
Budget-friendly.
Innerspring is designed to provide firmness for stomach sleepers.
Cons:
High-maintenance mattress.
Low-durability mattress.
Carefully check how firm each mattress is.
One of the most important things to know when looking for a mattress is you need a mattress you can feel comfortable resting or sleeping on. That means you have to find a mattress with a firmness level appropriate for stomach sleeping.
A soft mattress is typically a bad choice when you sleep on your stomach. It can cause you to sink into the mattress. In turn, that causes your back and neck to be out of alignment. A medium or hard mattress can provide the back support you need without the sinking feeling.
Test the spine alignment feature.
The deep lumbar support of a surface is integral for good spine health. While lying on the bed face front, your back should be straight to keep the spine aligned. If there are any dips in the mattress, it may cause unnatural curves and lead to permanent back pain.
Test the level of spinal alignment each mattress offers.
No matter what firmness level a mattress is advertised as having, you have to test it physically. When you lay on the mattress on your stomach, you should maintain a straight spine. Any sinking or dipping can cause back pain and other undesirable side effects after long-term use.
Check the temperature regulation system.
Most consumers complain about heat retention and breathability problems while lying face down on a bed. If you have a bulky body, a memory foam mattress, or a soft sleep surface, you might experience difficulty in heat distribution.
Ask yourself — does it have a breathable cover; does the bed have coils to allow airflow; is the product made from naturally cool materials? Each mattress has a unique temperature regulation technique, so, do inquire about it before purchase, especially if you are a hot sleeper.
Factor in your body weight.
Human bodies are not all the same size and shape. Nor is every mattress built to accommodate all bodies. That is why you need to factor in your body type when selecting a mattress. Make sure the mattress you choose is not just touted as good for stomach sleeping but also good for someone of your particular weight and build. Then you should have adequate support when you sleep on it.
Look for the best bedding accessories.
Sometimes the effectiveness or lack thereof of a mattress is directly impacted by the bedding accessories it is paired with. That is especially true when it comes to pillows. If you sleep on your stomach, you need a pillow that has the right height. Otherwise, you can place undue strain on your neck and back. Make sure the pillow you choose has the right weight and thickness. It must provide the comfortable support you need.
Other bedding accessories may be less physically important, but they are still aesthetically important. For example, you might prefer to select a comforter, sheets, or duvet that match the décor of your bedroom. You may also need to make sure they allow proper airflow while you sleep.
Verify mattress durability.
Another aspect of choosing the right mattress as a stomach sleeper is verifying mattress durability. When you sleep on your stomach, a sagging mattress can be disastrous. That is why it is best to increase your long-term sleep quality by choosing a durable mattress, even if you have to pay a bit extra for a quality mattress you can trust.
Opt for a durable mattress.
While shopping for a new mattress, you might naturally lean toward a bargain price, especially if you have a strict budget. However, generally, the low-priced beds lack durability, and they tend to sag after a few years of continuous use.
Thus, if you find a bed that's slightly expensive but made of quality materials ensuring longevity, do go for it. Remember — it is an investment into improving your sleep quality and in turn, your overall health! This way, you can buy a long-lasting mattress that will help you sleep better for decades.
Compare and contrast multiple mattresses.
If you have concerns about which mattress will help you sleep most comfortably on your stomach, visit a local showroom. That is the best place to do quick comparisons of mattress brands. You can also physically test each mattress to make sure it makes you comfortable.
If you live in NYC, our excellent showroom is a great place to do exactly that. There you can find more than 20 sleep products to examine and test. However, you must make an appointment ahead for mattress testing.
With all of those things in mind, here is our list of top 10 beds for stomach sleepers.
Our Picks of Top 10 Highest Rated Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers
We have examined hundreds of reviews from experts and unbiased consumers. The results have been compiled into the following list of mattresses you might like if you are a stomach sleeper.
Offered by one of the most popular online mattress companies called Leesa Sleep, Leesa hybrid is a superb bed for stomach sleepers who like to sleep better in more than one way. The brand is known for its remarkably designed products and exceptional social impact initiatives for regular donations and a greener environment.
Leesa Hybrid is available in medium-firm comfort level, a blend of both cushioning softness and firm support. While you are laying on your front, the mattress gives you a push-back feel that keeps the spine straight.
The spaces between the coils of Sapira provide adequate airflow, providing hot sleepers with a cool sleep surface. In short, this mattress is a worthy investment in your health improvement.
Airweave is a Japanese-origin mattress company, offering a wide range of sleep products crafted using innovative technologies. Perhaps the most noteworthy feature of Airweave is its patented airFiber design. The Airweave surface is quite different from the traditional foams you usually come across on the market.
Thanks to the firm airFiber mesh, this mattress provides the sleeper with a hard yet resilient surface, keeping the spine straight from neck to hip. Because of its incredible firmness, the product is more suitable for people with a bulky body, as it prevents sinkage yet cushions the lower back gap. Airweave may be a tad pricey, but the plethora of benefits you get with it certainly justifies the price tag.
This hybrid mattress highlights three remarkable layers followed by a support core of enclosed springs. The cushioning comfort layers are supplemented by an 8” layer of encased coils to keep your mattress comfortable and supportive in the long run. The top cover consisting of Energex foam improves cooling while the pocketed coils work in relieving pressure as well as supporting your body structure.
BB Aurora goes from the soft firmness toward the medium-firm level and is thus the perfect partner for side sleepers. The medium-firm BB Aurora is best fitted for back and stomach sleepers for its uniform support. Moreover, even weight distribution improves respiration by keeping pressure off of the chest.
Plushbeds manufactures Dunlop processed latex mattresses using organic plant-based materials for a refreshing sleep every night. Botanical Bliss is one of their customizable, breathable, and hypoallergenic latex beds. You have the option to choose the firm or medium-firm comfort level to suit your body type. It is also the best mattress for overweight stomach sleepers due to its remarkable firmness.
Botanical Bliss is made using eco-friendly 100% organic latex, removing toxic off-gassing risk, which is one of the reasons why this mattress is more expensive than Zenhaven. Any couple with varying mattress design preferences would love the option to customize the layers. You can also select from three different heights (9”,10”,12”) depending on your choice of height.
You may consider buying Botanical Bliss for stomach sleeping if you are looking for a completely non-toxic, certified organic latex mattress for a healthy rest experience.
Winkbeds are one of the most luxurious innerspring mattresses on the market. This sleep product offers a plethora of unique features you won’t find in traditional spring beds. Starting with the construction, Winkbeds has incredible seven-zone coil support designed to eliminate pressure points from sensitive regions of your body, including shoulders, hips, etc.
Additionally, the lumbar support pad provides fantastic back support by straightening your spine. Besides the airflow from Micro Air-springs, this mattress also has a beaded gel pillow top for a breathable feel. Winkbeds are more expensive and luxurious than traditional innerspring, but it’s undoubtedly one of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers with back pain.
Although the 12-inch Muse is a foam mattress, its cooling mechanism keeps you chilled and sweat-free. The Muse offers superior pressure relief as it fills your curves perfectly around your shoulder, flanks, and hips. The contouring and responsive foams make it the best memory foam mattress for stomach sleepers.
The Muse brand’s philosophy is against one-size-fits-all and their revolutionary products strive to cater to their customers’ individual sleep preferences. The Muse is also a choice product for memory foam mattress lovers with a bigger build. Choose a Firm comfort level to prevent undue sinkage while lying on the stomach.
Being a cooling mattress, the Muse is quite popular among average and lightweight hot sleepers. Optimal sleep temperature is a major focus of the company’s R&D. As a result, the Muse has cooling technologies built-in every mattress layer, making it the best mattress for hot stomach sleepers.
Bear is one of the best mattress makers for people with an active lifestyle. If you tend to come home tired and achy, the Bear mattress technology will help you enjoy a rejuvenating rest for a refreshing morning. Thanks to the gel beads and the open-cell construction, the Bear promotes excellent temperature regulation. Moreover, the Celliant cover also works wonders in letting you sleep on a cool surface.
Thus, unlike the traditional models, this foam bed offers excellent breathability to front sleepers. The firm foam used in Bear is ideal for stomach sleepers as it reduces the sink-in feel. At the same time, your major pressure points get maximum contouring and your posture remains straight, allowing remarkable spine support. All in all, Bear is an affordable choice for anyone who has a hectic routine with lots of physical stress.
The double-sided Plank mattress is a relatively new entrant in the market. You can flip the mattress to choose the firmness you prefer — one side is firmer than the other. As a result, this mattress is specifically suitable for stomach and back sleepers. The firm feel helps align the spine and remove circulatory blocks during sleep. Although it’s a firm mattress, Plank doesn’t feel like a hard slab, thanks to the thin soft foam layers on each side.
Plank offers quality support for back and stomach sleepers as it resists sinkage and ensures proper spinal alignment. Side sleepers may want to try a softer mattress. Lightweight stomach sleepers may experience pressure points. On the other hand, average and overweight stomach sleepers should definitely check out Plank in our showroom. This flippable nature also improves mattress lifespan as you can switch between sides to delay aging.
One of the reasons why Luft Hybrid resonates with consumers is the variety of options it has in regard to its firmness. With its three levels of firmness, one can choose between medium-soft, medium-firm, and firm mattress types. Luft Hybrid has a zoned pocketed coil layer to offer targeted support. The Luft’s medium-firm and firm levels are perfectly tailored to meet the needs of stomach and back sleepers. With the graphene memory foam, Luft Hybrid distributes your weight evenly and offers amazing pressure relief.
Below the cover lies the transition layer of Serene foam for deep comfort. It also ensures spinal alignment just the right give essentially for stomach sleeping. The pocketed coils further enhance contouring and offer deep compression support. That’s why Luft Hybrid deserves a place on the list of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.
Helix Dusk is a medium-firm model offered by the brand. The reactive foam is ideal for people who sleep on their front, as it promotes excellent spine alignment and keeps your back pain-free. This model is perfect for couples who are looking for partner-friendly beds with responsiveness. The motion isolating coils provide freedom of movement, making Helix Dusk the best mattress for light sleepers.
The price tag on Helix Dusk is close to that of New Purple.3 but you get more value from your Helix bed. Since it has high-density foams, zoned lumbar support, and a much thicker construction than Purple.3, you get increased longevity at the same price.
The information above might help you choose the right mattress for you, but further investigation might also be required. If so, our mattress comparison tool can help.
Shanir Kol, founder and CEO of SleePare, pioneered the “Try and Buy” model in eCommerce, enhancing mattress shopping by combining in-store trials with online purchases. Launching in 1999, his company focuses on customer satisfaction and eco-friendly practices, aiming to minimize mattress waste and expand sustainably.
I had an absolutely incredible experience shopping at SleePare! I can't express enough how impressed and grateful I am for the outstanding assistance I received from Fazi. Despite not having an appointment, she went above and beyond to help me understand which mattress would suit my sleep style best. Her knowledge, patience, and attentiveness were remarkable.I visited the store multiple times—testing mattresses again and again, aligning payments, and even exploring pillow options—and every single time, I was treated with the utmost care and respect. The service was nothing short of exceptional, and I’m beyond thrilled to be finalizing my purchase with SleePare. Thank you for such an amazing experience!
I made an appointment online, went to the showroom and was assisted by Fazi. She was attentive, *not* pushy, the showroom and mattresses were clean and in great shape. Excellent service through the entire process from entrance to purchase (over the phone). Would HIGHLY recommend to anyone looking to try any popular online mattress brands!!
Best mattress showroom in town! customer service was perfect. Fazi was very knowledgeable about her work and was able to help me out with all of the questions i had about my purchase. highly recommend the mlily power cool!!!
Call me old fashioned but l have no idea how people buy mattresses without trying. I specifically came to Sleepare to try online mattress brands that are very popular right now and I got to work with Fazi. She explained all ins and outs of the mattresses they carry and helped me find the most supportive one specifically for me. I bought Leesa Legend Chill and am super excited about my new mattress. I will definitely update on how it feels in a couple of weeks
I had a great experience here with Valerio. He really took his time showing us every mattress and explaining the differences and what to look for. No pressure at all. Plus, it was nice to check out all the online mattresses in person.
The salesman we worked with was helpful and nice. Since we were still in decision mode, we left and when I got home I checked a few of the manufacturers online that we saw in the store. To my dismay, this store does not carry models sold by the manufacturers online. They only carry versions made for retail, that is one-offs. And the model that was closest to the online version was $900 more in the store. When we decided to go to this store we were expecting the same exact model as seen online, so it wound up being a bit of a waste of time. The store advertises that you can try mattresses sold online. Not really true.
My boyfriend and I had a terrific experience buying a HelixMidnight Elite from Sleepare. We came just to take a look but Fazi was so amazing we did not have any reasons NOT to buy it. We also got bedding bundle with it as a part of Black friday sales, I am super thrilled!
I went to buy a mattress since I moved to NYC recently, and I needed a new mattress. This showroom was amazing, especially their staff. Very attentive, listened to all my needs, and carefully helped me select a perfect mattress for me. Special thanks to Fazi, who helped me figure out the best mattress. I never knew that my back was hurting because I did not select the best mattress that fit my needs.
This was my first experience of actually going to a mattress store. I usually order my mattress online. The moment I walked in and was browsing, Fazi came up to me, introduced herself, and asked if I needed any help. She gave me so many recommendations, and I had no idea selecting a perfect mattress for myself could be so entertaining. I end up buying the flat-top mattress. I would recommend this store and ask for Fazi she is the best.
Fazi was amazing! She made mattress shopping easy and stress-free by really listening to what I was looking for and offering expert advice. She’s super knowledgeable, and patient, and never pushed me toward anything I didn’t want. The store had a great selection, and I found the perfect mattress thanks to her help. Highly recommend visiting this store and working with Fazi!
I had an amazing experience at this mattress store, and it’s all thanks to Fazi! From the moment I walked in, she made me feel welcome and at ease. I wasn’t entirely sure what I was looking for, but Fazi took the time to ask the right questions and truly listen to my preferences. She guided me through all the options without rushing me, and I could tell she genuinely cared about helping me find the perfect mattress—not just making a sale.
I came to try Helix mattresses because I kept seeing them everywhere online. I am glad that this showroom has all of the most popular online brands because when I tried the Helix - I didn’t like it as much. I guess I am not a “pillow top” person, so I went with more “flat top” mattress without tufting and I love it! Fazi answered all 10000 questions I had and did not push me at all😍🥰
I came in to try out the Helix mattresses after seeing them everywhere online. I'm really glad I visited this showroom because they carry all the popular online brands, and it gave me the chance to try a few different options. After testing the Helix, I realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. I’m just not a fan of the pillow top feel, so I ended up choosing a more “flat top” mattress without the tufting—and I absolutely love it!Fazi was incredible throughout the whole process. She answered all my questions (and I had a ton of them!) without ever making me feel rushed or pressured. Her knowledge and patience really made a difference, and she made the whole experience fun. I truly appreciated her time and expertise. Highly recommend working with her if you’re mattress shopping!
SleePare made mattress shopping so easy and stress-free. The showroom was clean, organized, and had a great variety of options to try out. The staff took the time to understand my preferences and guided me to the right choice. The delivery was fast and seamless. I'll definitely be back for future purchases
I had a fantastic experience at SleePare! The staff was incredibly knowledgeable and helped me find the perfect mattress for my needs. They weren't pushy at all, and I really appreciated the sleep trial option. My new mattress has completely transformed my sleep. Highly recommend SleePare to anyone looking for quality and comfort!
Such a nice and clean store. I have tried so many different brands in the past 3 months and this is by far the best one. Fazi is extremely patient, knowledgeable and most emphatic! She didnt push for the most expensive bed but instead she tried to find a mattress that would fit my needs.
I came on Saturday without an appointment but Fazi was very nice and helped me with all my questions despite being with so many other people. She guided me through mattresses and I ended getting Helix Twilight luxe. Totally recommend!
I had an excellent experience shopping for a mattress at Sleepare, and I highly recommend this store for anyone in the market for a new bed! The online appointment booking was incredibly easy, and I was able to schedule a time that worked perfectly for me in such a short notice. When I arrived, Fazi was exceptionally professional and took the time to listen to my specific preferences and sleep style. She introduced me to the Mlily brand, which I hadn’t heard of before, but I’m so glad she did! And she did not pressure me to buy and ask me to take time to make purchase decision. I purchased the mattress the next day morning after I went to the store the evening before.The Supercool Firm Mlily mattress has been a game changer. Not only did it eliminate my chronic backache, but it’s also perfect for sharing with a partner—no more waking up from their movements! The mattress is incredibly comfortable, and I feel like it’s an underrated gem in the mattress world, especially since there’s not much marketing around it.To top it off, the delivery was fast and hassle-free. I’m so glad I accidentally stumbled upon Sleepare, and I will definitely be recommending it to friends and family. If you're looking for a high-quality mattress with great service, this is the place to go!
Updating this:I emailed on August 20, again on August 22, and then called and nobody replied all three times. Is this store still open? If it’s this hard for me to buy will it be even harder for me if I need to return?I eventually found a number to get in touch with Bruce who helped me.Update: the Mlily I bought sags pretty badly by morning, causing back pain. I am trying to get it replaced, but the process is not easy. It has these built in holes for a bed frame that it is originally manufactured for. Sleepare will push this mattress on you and they even denied the holes existed. Well they do! Here’s a video. This is why brand new mattresses will sag. This is the replacement they sent me. Also the mattresses are made years ago. They probably bought them for super cheap and are selling them at MSRP. It’s becoming a huge waste of time.Having trouble getting support or sales people to respond.
valerio is an angel and a gentleman. he was so kind and patient, and my winkbed blue luxe 2 has been a game changer. a breezy and easy shopping experience.
I was hesitant at first, but this store exceeded all of my expectations. I worked with Valerio who is exceptionally knowledgeable about all things mattress related (ie construction, support, quality etc). Working with him has been a pleasure and I can't wait for my new bed!
I can’t say enough good things about our experience with Valerie! From the moment we walked in, he took the time to understand both my and my partner’s specific sleep needs and preferences. He didn’t just try to sell us a mattress; he truly cared about our sleep health, explaining how different options could impact our comfort and overall well-being. His knowledge and patience made us feel confident in our choice, and he went above and beyond to ensure we found the perfect fit. If you’re looking for someone who genuinely prioritizes your sleep health over making a quick sale, Valerio is the person to see!
Valerio from sleePare was absolutely the best when it came to giving us recommendations for mattresses. We fell in love with the mattress he sold us!!!!!
I purchased an M lily mattress at the New York City store a month ago and selected a mattress by M Lilly because of its firmness. When mattress was delivered, it was tightly rolled in a tube and vacuum packed, which concerned me from the onset as I felt the springs would be compromised . when I put the mattress on my bed it felt much softer than the mattress in the store, and when I looked at the tag on the mattress the manufacturing date was almost 3 years old, I called and spoke to Bruce in the customer service department a guy. He assured me he would credit me the price of the mattress as well as pick up the mattress “soon”. since then I have made several follow up phone calls and nobody answers and nobody returns my calls. I bought the mattress with a credit card and I am going to make a claim that my credit card company not pay this invoice. This was really a terrible experience with a terrible salesman..
the only reason I went to Sleepare was to try one of those online mattress brands.The only reason why i left the store buying two mattresses was only because of Valerio, the sales guy.Not only did he help me made the right mattress choice but he did it with his extensive knowledges and joyful spirit.He didn't just recommend the most expensive options-he focused on finding the mattresses that would fit my needs.
I had an exceptional experience shopping for mattresses here. After doing some of my own research online, I was left feeling a bit overwhelmed by the prospect of purchasing a new mattress, but visiting Sleepare helped simplify the process. I was helped by Valerio who went above and beyond to explain the qualities in a mattress I should be looking for while taking my sleep habits into consideration. He was very honest about the expensive name-brand mattresses and explained how the most expensive is not necessarily the best mattress to meet my needs. I was able to spend time trying out several different mattresses. After speaking with Valerio, I left feeling far less daunted than when I arrived. I ended up purchasing a mattress that I am very happy with! They offer a four month trial period in case the mattress does not meet my expectations. I highly recommend coming here for your mattress needs.
Valerio is incredibly helpful. He is knowledgeable and listens to our needs. Compared to some large mattress chains, this store carries good brands that don’t put out aggressive marketing & have reasonable pricing.
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Meet The Author:
Shanir Kol
Shanir Kol, founder and CEO of SleePare, pioneered the “Try and Buy” model in eCommerce, enhancing mattress shopping by combining in-store trials with online purchases. Launching in 1999, his company focuses on customer satisfaction and eco-friendly practices, aiming to minimize mattress waste and expand sustainably.