The 11 Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers, Tested and Reviewed
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These options help promote alignment, keep you comfy, and earned our approval
The Spruce / Kevin Liang
Finding a mattress that can accommodate the unique way stomach sleepers rest each night can be a bit of a balancing act. A lack of support, the wrong kind of comfort, and even the type of pillow you use can all affect how you feel at night–and when you wake in the morning. Jake Nelson, Category Manager of National Brand Product Development at Mattress Firm, notes, “For stomach sleepers, finding the perfect mattress is crucial… The key to making this decision lies in understanding the importance of spinal alignment, considering body type, and acknowledging personal preferences.”
The same mattresses that suit side and back sleepers, for example, won’t necessarily provide the right level of support for side sleepers’ needs. As Ellen Wermter, a Diplomate in Behavioral Sleep Medicine and a Better Sleep Council Spokesperson, explains, “Stomach sleepers have to be extra careful in choosing a mattress to ensure both adequate firmness and support for alignment and high-quality materials that enhance comfort.”
To find the best mattresses for stomach sleepers, we tested over 50 mattresses in The Lab and at home. In the end, we narrowed down our picks to the best we tested, based on factors like comfort, support, durability, and price. Additionally, we consulted with Nelson and Wermter to better understand what stomach sleepers need out of a mattress to achieve a great night of sleep.
Editor’s Note: This story was updated in November 2023 to include updated testing insights, picks, and buying considerations based off of our latest testing experiences.
What to Know Before You Get Started
Wermter tells us that stomach sleepers face the largest challenge when deciding on a mattress, as stomach sleeping can be the most detrimental for maintaining alignment. According to Nelson, firm mattresses will generally be better suited toward stomach sleepers, as this will help to prevent misalignment from occurring. Of course, other factors such as personal preference will play a role. With all of this in mind, certain recommendations can be provided for general guidance.
Firm options will be best suited to stomach sleepers for maintaining alignment
Memory foam, latex, hybrid and innerspring designs can all work for stomach sleeping, as these can all be made into firm options.
For those who stomach sleep but also need pressure point relief, memory foam and hybrid options can offer the best of both worlds.
For more information about shopping for a mattress that’ll suit stomach sleepers, see our What to Look for section below.
Best Overall: Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress
What We Like
Promotes spinal alignment
Suits all sleep positions
Speedy expansion and setup
Supportive yet plush feel
What We Don't Like
Edge support may be lacking
We found that nights spent on the Casper Wave Hybrid kept our backs and hips supported, making it a comfortable standout regardless of the position we slept in. Importantly, though, we didn’t find ourselves tossing and turning on this mattress. While firm in nature, it didn’t sacrifice comfort for us, courtesy of a premium foam top layer that offered us body-conforming plushness and pressure relief. Plus, we woke up feeling refreshed thanks to the all-night neck support this mattress delivered when we slept on our stomach.
The Casper Wave features a three-zoned support layer of memory foam that’s softer under the shoulders but firm in the hips, waist, and lower back area. This detail helped keep us feeling aligned from head to toe, and we were particularly impressed by the hip support we felt night after night. That support was bolstered by gel pods underneath for added support to promote spinal alignment.
Beyond the comfort of the Wave Hybrid, there were other factors that left us satisfied–namely, it expanded to size within minutes, had no odor, and felt nicely plush from the first time we laid atop it. Described as a medium firm, we did find it to be on the firmer side, which further helped to promote a better night of sleep for us stomach sleepers. While some may find the edge support isn’t the firmest or strongest, we didn’t find this detracted from our comfort at night in the slightest.
Price at time of publish: $2,895
Sizes: Twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Firmness: Medium-firm | Type: Hybrid | Mattress Height: 13 inches | Sleep Trial: 100 nights
The Spruce / Donna Freydkin
Best Luxury: Saatva HD Mattress
What We Like
Firm yet body-cradling
Pressure point relief
Lifetime warranty
What We Don't Like
Not ideal for side sleeping
If price isn’t a factor, and you’re looking for a luxurious night’s sleep, we highly recommend Saatva’s HD Mattress. This option impressed us not only with its comfort, but also the exceptional Saatva customer service that comes standard; the included white glove delivery meant we didn’t have to lift a finger. When testing this mattress, we liked how it balanced support and comfort–it felt like a firm cradle, with no sinking-in sensation, but soft enough that it felt cozy.
The three-inch Euro pillow top provides just the right amount of plushness. That being said, it still conformed to our bodies, and it helped eliminate shuffling and moving throughout the night for us. The memory foam offered a hug-like feel, while the offset coil innerspring system worked to provide better body contouring than traditional coils. Most importantly, we found this mattress to be great for stomach sleeping. We felt the stress in our pressure points melt away, especially in our lower backs when we laid down. However, it did leave us desiring a bit more in terms of support when we laid on our sides.
We also appreciate that Saatva offers a lifetime warranty and a lengthy one-year trial period on this mattress. Do be aware, though, that this isn’t the best option for those who may shift from stomach to side sleeping. We found it was least comfortable and supportive when we wound up on our sides overnight. However, if you’re a stomach-only or stomach and back sleeper, this mattress will offer cozy comfort and the right level of support.
Price at time of publish: $3,295
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king | Firmness: Medium | Type: Hybrid | Mattress Height: 15.5 inches high | Sleep Trial: 365 nights
Best Budget: Linenspa 8-Inch Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid Mattress
What We Like
Multiple thickness options
Contouring, responsive memory foam
!0-year warranty
What We Don't Like
Short trial period
Takes up to 72 hours to expand
Linenspa’s Hybrid Mattress proves you don’t need to break the bank to achieve a great night of sleep. With a hybrid design, you’ll get a responsive feel and body contouring from this mattress’s uppermost layer of foam (which is topped with a quilted cover), plus the additional layer of memory foam beneath that. Both offered great contouring that made us feel adequately supported and aligned while on our stomachs. Plus, the addition of durable springs provide the feel of a traditional mattress.
The medium firmness makes this mattress a suitable option for all sleep styles. We also like that it’s available in eight-, 10-, and 12-inch thicknesses (albeit at varying prices), so you can get the exact amount of support and cushioning that you seek. Do be mindful, however, that if you purchase the 10-inch option you’ll get more of a medium firmness, while the 12-inch option will offer a plusher feel.
This mattress arrives in a box, so it does take between 24 and 72 hours to fully expand. On the plus side, the brand also offers a solid 10-year warranty, free shipping, and free returns. Unfortunately, Linenspa only offers a 30-day return period, which is substantially shorter than the trial periods offered by all of the other mattresses on our list.
Price at time of publish: $263
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, short queen, king, California king | Firmness: Medium-firm | Type: Hybrid | Mattress Height: 8, 10, 12 inches | Sleep Trial: 30 days
Best Hybrid: T&N Mint Mattress
What We Like
Distributes weight evenly
Durable over time
Suits stomach and back sleeping
What We Don't Like
Mild adjustment period
Weak pressure relief
If you’re a stomach sleeper who prefers the comfort afforded by a hybrid mattress, the T+N Hybrid Mattress is our favorite option. From the moment we laid on it, we were impressed by the support, and we loved how it felt like our weight was evenly distributed across its surface. The conforming nature of the memory foam was also palpable–and a key detail for stomach sleepers’ comfort at night.
We found this mattress did a great job of isolating movement, too, thanks to its individually-wrapped coils, and it had the right level of firmness for spinal support and alignment, despite the brand labeling it as medium plush. This slightly increased firmness helped keep our spines feeling great all night long (and in the morning after waking up.) The memory foam also held up very well during our month of testing; after continued everyday use, we saw no signs of indentations or wear.
It’s worth noting, however, that as much as we loved this mattress, we did find it had a mild adjustment period. Additionally, the firmness didn’t offer any real pressure relief; we wouldn’t say the foam cradled our joints or pressure points, but rather rested firmly beneath them. However, when it came to alignment for stomach and back sleepers, it did its job well.
Price at time of publish: $1,995
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Firmness: Medium plush (feels more firm, though) | Type: Hybrid | Mattress Height:12 inches | Sleep Trial: 100 days
Best Soft: Purple RestorePremier Hybrid Mattress
What We Like
Plush yet responsive feel
Quick expansion time
Cloud-like comfort
What We Don't Like
Not suited to for those who need additional support
For the stomach sleeper who prefers more softness, Purple’s RestoresPremier offers the best of both worlds. It’s nicely supportive for the back and hips, but we found it soft enough that it feels luxurious when laying on top. When we climbed onto this mattress, we were immediately struck by how much it felt like sleeping on a cloud–and we loved how it felt like it molded right to our bodies. However, it didn’t offer much in the way of firm support, though it was still more supportive than other soft mattresses we tested.
Other factors we appreciated include its speedy expansion (it was ready for use in a couple minutes) and lack of odor. Despite its softer nature, the foam proved resilient and very quickly resumed its shape when we got up after every use. We could quite literally feel the stress relief throughout our bodies when laying on this mattress, and we really liked Purple’s proprietary Gelflex Grid, a polymer that adapts with movement. A layer of foam and independent coils are also geared toward offering pressure relief, which can prove highly beneficial for any stomach sleeper who doesn’t want a firm-feeling mattress.
If you’re someone in need of more support, however, this mattress may not be suited toward you and your needs.
Price at time of publish: $3,495
Sizes: Twin XL, queen, king, split king | Firmness: Soft/firm options | Type: Hybrid | Mattress Height: 13 inches | Sleep Trial: 100 nights
Best for Couples: Saatva Solaire Adjustable Firmness Mattress
What We Like
Can choose individual firmness levels
Quick and easy set up
50 firmness settings
What We Don't Like
Lacks body-conforming feel
Couples who have differences in sleep preferences can benefit from Saatva’s Solaire. The adjustable firmness mattress uses dual air chambers that are remote controlled to be able to alter the firmness of both sides of the mattress on sizes of queen and larger.
With 50 firmness settings, stomach sleepers are able to really dial in the firmness to their own specific needs and comfort levels. Do be aware that we found this, even at its “softest” settings, to still be a firm mattress, which we preferred as we found it to offer excellent support. That being said, the three inch Euro pillow top offered us enough plushness for added comfort.
For couples, the customizability is a key; if one person has a stomach sleeping preference and the other is a back sleeper, neither one has to compromise. Additionally, the dual air chambers work to alleviate motion transfer, an issue that many couples face when co-sleeping. Lastly, latex offers lumbar support and pressure relief, while a layer of memory foam also contours for pressure-relief.
Despite arriving compressed, this mattress was inflated within 10 minutes and still set up by Saatva’s experts. Just be aware with the Solaire that some people found it to be lacking in edge support, and that this isn’t suited to people who prefer conforming.
Price at time of publish: $3,745
Sizes: Twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king, split California king, queen upper-flex, king upper-flex | Firmness: Adjustable | Type: Memory foam/Air | Mattress Height: 13 inches | Sleep Trial: 365 nights
The Spruce / Sara Michael
Best Pressure Relief: Purple RestorePlus Hybrid Mattress
What We Like
Helps limit tossing and turning
Maintains hip and back alignment
Cradles pressure points
What We Don't Like
Odor when new
Heavy and hard to move
After testing numerous mattresses, Purple’s RestorePlus really blew us away when it came to providing pressure relief. While it still has a more firm feel to it, it excelled at supporting us and contouring to our needs. Plus, it was also fully expanded within two hours of delivery.
Despite the firmness underneath providing support, a plush mattress cover provided the comfort that we were seeking from this mattress. It worked well to keep our spines aligned throughout the night and it really assisted in helping to alleviate tossing and turning for us as well. As an added bonus, we found it to work great as a mattress for stomach and side sleepers.
The GelFlex Grid works to offer pressure relief through cradling areas that need it, like the hips and shoulders. An additional layer of comfort foam also works to provide extra pressure relief, all while three zone responsive coils assist in support and alignment.
Just be mindful that this option does have a bit of an odor when it’s new. Fortunately, we found that smell to dissipate within 24 hours. It is also a bit heavy, which can make it difficult to move and to put sheets on.
Price at time of publish: $2,895
Sizes: Twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king | Firmness: Soft/firm options | Type: Hybrid | Mattress Height: 13 inches | Sleep Trial: 100 nights
Best Memory Foam: Leesa Original Mattress
What We Like
Alleviates pressure
Stable support layer
Encourages proper back alignment
What We Don't Like
Poor edge support
Not the most durable
For the sleeper who relishes in the feeling of an all memory foam mattress, Leesa’s Original is our pick. The medium firm mattress features three different layers of foam. The first one, the comfort layer, works to provide just the right amount of hug and bounce. Beneath that, a memory foam contouring layer offers contouring to alleviate pressure where it counts, in the hips, shoulders, and back. Lastly, a stability layer provides exceptional support to make it accommodate every body type.
The full foam composition leaves people feeling supported, regardless of how they choose to sleep. Additionally, the excellent contouring coupled with the stability layer and the slightly firmer nature help to keep the spine aligned. Leesa also provides free shipping and a 100-night trial.
However, it's important to note the Leesa Original doesn’t feature any sort of side strength for strong edge support. Additionally, it may not hold its shape quite as long as others; you may notice indentations forming over the course of a few years. However, with a standard 10-year warranty, any changes or issues caused by normal use will be covered.
Price at time of publish: $1,299
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Firmness: Medium | Type: Memory foam | Mattress Height: 10 inches | Sleep Trial: 100 nights
Best Cooling: Nolah Evolution Mattress
What We Like
Lifetime warranty
Temperature-regulating materials
3 firmness options
What We Don't Like
Thickness doesn’t suit all sheets
For the stomach sleeper who is tired of waking up a sweaty mess, Nolah’s Evolution Hybrid is a great solution. Available in plush, luxury firm, and firm options, we like the second two support levels for stomach sleeping to provide the firmness necessary for comfortability. The air pockets in the mattress foam help to distribute body weight, while coils also work to promote relief at pressure points and create additional support. In total, this mattress features seven layers, which combine to create the support and cushioning required for a good, comfortable night of stomach sleeping.
In terms of cooling and temperature-regulating properties, this mattress features a cotton cover and an ArcticTex cover in addition to a Eurotopper with breathable foam that has high thermal conductivity to draw heat from the body. Next, a graphite-infused AirFoamIce works to promote cooling further, while a four inch breathable gusset works to promote airflow so that body heat is able to escape.
We also appreciate that Nolah offers a lifetime warranty. Just be aware that a 15-inch-thick mattress may require investing in a new set of sheets with deeper pockets than the ones you already have to accommodate the added height.
Price at time of publish: $2,499
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king | Firmness: Plush, luxury firm, firm | Type: Hybrid | Mattress Height: 15 inches | Sleep Trial: 120 nights
Best Latex: My Green Mattress Natural Escape
What We Like
Gentle on pressure points
Limits motion transfer
Suits all sleep styles
What We Don't Like
Requires a break-in period
Can have an initial odor
If you’re looking for a mattress that doesn’t use any memory foams and relies on latex to offer comfort, our pick is My Green Mattress’ Natural Escape. The Natural Escape features three inches of GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) certified latex that not only offers excellent contouring, but is also naturally breathable. Additionally, it features a medium-firmness that makes it suitable not just to stomach sleepers, but also back and side sleepers as well.
In addition to the latex up above, this hybrid also includes individually wrapped steel coils that work to offer pressure point relief while also helping to limit motion transference and adding breathability. Lastly, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified cotton and wool are used to create the cover, and it is all button tufted by hand for added durability and an overall feeling of quality.
Just be mindful that with latex mattresses you typically can expect a bit of a break in period. Fortunately, My Green Mattress offers an extensive 365-day trial to ensure you have a proper chance to break this in fully. Additionally, be mindful that latex can sometimes have a bit of an odor when new; that should fade within a short period of time.
Price at time of publish: $1,700
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, king, California king | Firmness: Medium | Type: Hybrid | Mattress Height: 11 inches | Sleep Trial: 365 nights
Best Extra Firm: Plank Firm Luxe Hybrid Mattress
What We Like
Two firmness options
Breathable, heat-dissipating foam
Extra supportive for the lower back
What We Don't Like
Lacks edge support
If you’re a stomach sleeper who prefers the feeling of an extra firm mattress, Plank’s Firm Luxe Mattress is made with high density foams to create extra firm support. It has two choices of firmness, with one side offering a firm (7 out of 10) and the other side being an extra firm (9 out of 10).
A layer of deep compression memory foam creates deep compression support, while six inches of individually encased coils add extra firmness and support. In addition to the firmness, this mattress also uses foams with open cell technology to promote airflow, so your body heat can dissipate. The American Chiropractic Association endorsed it and a three month study found it to reduce spinal stress and improve lumbar support.
This mattress also comes with a 120-night trial period and the option to add a GlacioTex Cooling Cover if you need even more cooling support. Plus, it comes with a standard 10-year warranty. Just be aware that it doesn’t have the best edge support. This shouldn't be a concern for stomach sleepers, but it can affect the feel and shape if you hang out on the edges of the bed often.
Price at time of publish: $1,682
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split California king, short queen, short king, olympic queen, RV king | Firmness: Firm/Extra firm | Type: Hybrid | Mattress Height: 13.25 inches | Sleep Trial: 120 nights
Commerce - Final Verdict
Our pick for the best overall mattress for stomach sleepers is the Casper Wave Hybrid, with excellent support to promote spinal alignment and keep stomach sleepers feeling comfortably cradled night after night. If you and your partner are looking for a better night of sleep, we recommend the Saatva Solaire Adjustable Firmness Mattress, which offers adjustable firmness on each side of the mattress to suit stomach sleepers and more custom individual preferences.
Other Options We Tested
Charles P Rogers Estate Mattress
Charles P. Rogers
Charles P Rogers Estate Mattress proved to be a comfortable mattress that offered a solid level of firmness and support that we liked. It also expanded quickly upon arrival, and the odor dissipated very quickly. However, it was quite expensive, which we found to be too limiting of a factor in terms of who can purchase it.
Avocado Green Mattress
Avocado
While the Avocado Green Mattress proved to be very comfortable, sturdy, and supportive. We also appreciated the eco-credentials that left us feeling like the air we are breathing is safe when using it. However, it had some issues that left it off our list, namely, a strong wool smell came with it that wouldn’t go away for about a month.
What to Look For in a Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
Material
Mattresses come in a variety of styles and materials, and no one material or brand is actually best for stomach sleeping. This is good news, because it actually opens up a world of potential products for stomach sleeping, and Nelson also notes that personal preference will play a large role in deciding the best way to go.
Innerspring: According to Nelson, these mattresses use a system of steel coils for support, and offer “a responsive and supportive feel, making them a good choice for stomach sleepers who prefer a firmer feel.”
Memory Foam: This option, like our Best Memory Foam pick, the Leesa Original Mattress, “excels at pressure relief and conforming to the body's shape,” Nelson tells us. This conforming nature can be useful for alleviating pressure points that stomach sleepers face.
Hybrid Mattresses: Wermter tells us that “If the stomach sleeper prefers more cushion, a hybrid might be a good option as a firm underlying foundation can be paired with a softer top for comfort.” This combination, found in hybrids like the T+N Hybrid Mattress, our Best Hybrid pick, can be especially useful for stomach sleepers as they can access the necessary support without sacrificing comfort.
Latex: “Latex mattresses provide a responsive surface that adapts to body contours while maintaining a buoyant feel,” Nelson tells us. My Green Mattress Natural Escape, our Best Latex pick, fits this description.
Firmness
Wermter tells us that “Plush styles simply do not offer enough sturdiness to prevent overarching.” As a result, Nelson tells us that “Stomach sleepers generally benefit from mattresses on the firmer end of the spectrum. This preference stems from lower back pain that can result from spinal misalignment.” However, it’s important to also note that while this may be beneficial, he also states that “while firmness is a key consideration, individual comfort levels vary.” Bearing this all in mind, though, if peak firmness is your goal, we recommend the Plank Firm Luxe Mattress, our Best Extra Firm pick.
Alignment and Support
In regards to stomach sleepers benefiting generally from a firmer mattress, Nelson tells us that “This preference stems from lower back pain that can result from spinal misalignment: When a stomach sleeper's hips or chest sinks too deeply into a softer mattress, it can lead to discomfort and pain. Opting for a firmer mattress dramatically increases the likelihood of proper support.”
Wermter adds, “If the mattress does not have enough consistent support, the spine and neck can be pulled out of alignment leading to discomfort and fragmented sleep. The mattress should evenly distribute body weight,” which we found to really be the case with the T+N Mint Hybrid Mattress.
Importantly, Wermter adds that “As mattresses age, they can develop stress areas and lose the ability to properly bear the weight evenly.” If you are experiencing this problem, a new mattress may be a great investment to consider.
Why Trust The Spruce
Jack Byram is a freelance writer who covers all things sleep related. He has written numerous articles and spoken with dozens of experts to cover everything from beds to mattresses to blackout shades, all in the name of a good night of sleep.
Our Experts:
Jake Nelson, the Category Manager of National Brand Product Development at Mattress Firm
Ellen Wermter, a Diplomate in Behavioral Sleep Medicine and a Better Sleep Council Spokesperson
Heather Adams, senior editor at The Spruce
Read the original article on The Spruce.
