Stomach Sleepers Can Rest Easy With These Expert-Approved Pillows
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Stomach Sleepers Can Rest Easy With These Expert-Approved Pillows
SOME PEOPLE are most comfortable sleeping on their stomachs. That’s fine—getting a good night’s sleep means being comfortable, in whatever position works for you. Sleeping on your stomach can also help with snoring (enter anti-snoring pillows) and sleep apnea, a serious condition that often goes undiagnosed and can lead to serious long-term health problems, including diabetes, chronic fatigue, and, in serious cases, heart attack.
That said, stomach sleeping (like sleeping on your side) puts unique stresses on the body. Most people don’t sleep face-down in a pillow; instead, they spend the night with their heads turned to the side, which can result in soreness and pain upon waking. It can even lead to jaw, neck, and back problems. Stomach sleeping can cause (or worsen) lower back pain for some people, as it disrupts the spine’s natural curvature. (Pro tip: if this is you, try a pillow under your belly to take the stress off of your back.)
Getting a good night’s sleep on your stomach, then, means having the best mattress, the best sheets, and the right pillow for sleeping. Stomach sleepers typically need thinner, less-filled pillows that allow them to lay their heads flat without putting undue stress on the neck. (Cut-out pillows are another option, for people who really don’t mind sleeping facedown.) Just like side sleepers, stomach sleepers should have a pillow that keeps the spine and neck in neutral alignment, which will prevent morning soreness and stiffness—and hopefully head off any longer-term problems.
Luckily, stomach sleepers have plenty of options when it comes to pillows. If you’re in the market to replace your old pillow—which you should ideally do at least once a year, as a worn-out pillow provides less support, gets bogged down with dust mites, and can even give you acne—or upgrade your pillow game, we’ve selected some of the best choices for belly sleepers.
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Courtesy of retailer/Getty Images - 2/10
Ultra Slim Sleeper Firm Memory Foam Pillow
Elite Rest
amazon.com
$49.99
Belly sleepers usually need a pillow that’s thin but supportive, so it will keep the neck and spine in a neutral position throughout the night. The Elite Rest Ultra Slim Sleeper does that with a slim form (at just 2.5 inches thick, it’s one of the thinnest pillows on the market) and a memory foam core. It’s flat and firm, cradling the sleeper’s neck as they sleep.
This one features hypoallergenic foam that's durable and odor-free to boot. It's all wrapped in premium 100% cotton cover that's machine-washable too. What we love most, however, is the price. At just $49.99, it's one of the cheapest pillows for stomach sleepers we've seen this year. If you're looking for a little more loft, a 3-inch version is available for about the same price. All of which is why it's our pick for the best overall pillow for stomach sleepers of 2022.
What do buyers say? "As a stomach sleeper, this is the best pillow I’ve ever owned!" said one Amazon reviewer.
Read more: Best Mattresses
Courtesy of retailer - 3/10
TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow
Tempur-Pedic
$89.00
As TEMPUR-Pedic's most popular pillow, the TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow combines the best combination of comfort, support, and price. The low-profile design supports your head by cradling it in the brand's iconic TEMPUR foam core, so it adapts and conforms to your personal shape—all of which makes it ideal for stomach sleepers. It's all wrapped in a hypoallergenic, polyester-knit cover that's removable and machine-washable, so you can always keep your entire bed setup fresh. We also love the five-year "repair or replace" warranty. Bonus: it compresses down easily, so it's great for travel too.
What really stands out with this belly-sleeper-friendly pillow is the sheer amount of glowing reviews. At the time of this writing, there are more than 5,700 overwhelmingly positive reviews and ratings. Almost 90% of buyers on TempurPedic.com recommend this pillow, especially if you're a stomach sleeper who has a hard time falling asleep at night.
What do buyers say? Out of more than 5,700 TempurPedic.com reviews, 88% recommend the TEMPUR-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow with at least a 4-star rating.
Read more: Best Sheets
Courtesy of TEMPUR-Pedic - 4/10
Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow
Coop Home Goods
amazon.com
$92.00
For die-hard fans of memory foam pillows, it’s the only material they’ll ever want to sleep on. For stomach sleepers who also happen to love memory foam, the Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow from Coop Home Goods is about as good as it gets. As the name implies, it’s designed to adjust to whatever height is most comfortable for you. It ships prefilled with a dense foam fill, plus an extra ½-pound bag of filler. So you can remove or add as much as you like on the fly. Stomach sleepers can remove a bunch to flatten it out, while back sleepers can add more for a thicker, more supportive pillow. It’s comfortable and completely customizable to any sleep style.
We especially love that this pillow is more sustainable than most. It’s CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certified to guarantee that there’s no harmful or toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Minimal off-gassing also helps minimize the unpleasant initial odors usually associated with foam-filled pillows. At between $70-$80 (depending on whether you opt for the Queen or King size), it’s a little pricier than the cheapest pillows on this list, but not by much. We think the unique adjustable nature of this pillow makes it well worth it for our money, especially for finicky stomach sleepers.
What do buyers say? Out of more than 50,000 Amazon reviews, 88% recommend the Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow with at least a 4-star rating.
Courtesy of retailer - 5/10
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Core Cooling Down Alternative Pillow
Slumber Cloud
slumbercloud.com
$48.00
If a genuine down pillow isn’t in your budget, Slumber Cloud’s Core Cooling Down Alternative Pillow is a great—wait for it…—alternative. The 100% fiber-fill is about as close to down as you can get, but at a much better price. Of the two firmnesses available, the “soft/medium” version is an ideal choice for stomach sleepers, providing cushioning and support without the bulk. That versatility also makes it a good choice for sleepers who like to switch between their stomach and side. The down-alternative fiber-fill makes for a fluffy feel, while the cooling cover helps provide a refreshing night’s rest. It’s all wrapped in a 300-thread-count, 100% cotton cover too.
We especially love Slumber Cloud’s 60-night in-home trial. In addition to a 180-night warranty, they tout a “no questions asked” return policy. That means you can literally sleep on it for two months to know for sure if it’s the right pillow for you. Even better is the price. At around $60 (less than $50 at the time of this writing), it’s a steal.
What do buyers say? “Great pillow. The soft version is very soft, but also very comfortable. Stays cool longer than most,” said one SlumberCloud.com reviewer.
Courtesy of retailer - 7/10
Down Chamber Pillow
Boll & Branch
bollandbranch.com
$178.00
The highly customizable Boll & Branch Down Chamber Pillow comes in three densities (soft, medium, and firm) in a three-chambered shell. The design ensures the pillow will keep its shape for years to come and provide better neck and back support than your typical down pillow. Each density is purposefully designed with a style of sleeper in mind. Stomach sleepers will want to opt for a Soft model to lay as flat as possible. Inside, the premium fill is 100% down that’s triple-washed and ethically sourced from US-based farms, giving you another reason to sleep easy. Every version of the pillow is wrapped in fine, 100% organic cotton.
There’s a lot to love about this pillow, no matter which kind of sleeper you are. The only downside is the price. At nearly $180, it’s among the priciest we’ve seen this year. But, given its luxurious construction and customizable design, we think it’s worth the premium, especially if you’re looking for the very best down pillow for stomach sleepers.
What do buyers say? “Best pillow I have ever slept on. I sleep so much better since I started using thee B&B pillows. I no longer wake up with a sore neck and I get a better nights sleep,” said one BollAndBranch.com reviewer.
Courtesy of retailer - 8/10
Talalay Latex Sleeping Pillow
Juvea
amazon.com
$79.99
If traditional fiber-fill and memory foam pillows aren’t quite your speed, natural latex may do the trick. Juvea’s Natural Talalay Latex Pillow is praised by hundreds of Amazon customers for its (mostly) one-size-fits-all support and breathability. With two lofts available—Low or High Profile—you can pick the height that works best for you. (Hint: “Low” is the best pillow for stomach sleepers). The same material that gives this pillow its supportive shape also ensures that it never goes flat like traditional fiber-filled pillows. It’s all wrapped in a super-soft, 100% cotton cover that’s machine-washable too.
For allergy sufferers and anyone concerned with harmful chemicals in their home (especially in the bedroom), this pillow is also made cruelty-free with vegan and sustainable, plant-based ingredients. The company admits there is a slight initial odor from the natural latex, but it fades within the first 24 hours. There’s not much to dislike about this pillow, especially given the totally reasonable sub-$100 price tag.
What do buyers say? “I have tried down-filled, memory foam, shredded latex foam rubber and traditional cotton pillows. This one works the best for me. It gives me the support I need without feeling hard on my neck and head,” said one Amazon reviewer.
amazon.com - 9/10
Harmony Pillow
Purple
amazon.com
$161.00
Turns out Purple’s pillows are just as good as their mattresses (there’s a reason we included the brand in our 2022 Sleep Awards!). Purple’s Harmony Pillow now comes in several lofts, including a low height that’s ideal for people who sleep on their stomachs, and it’s also a good fit for anyone who moves from their stomach to their side while sleeping. The core is a proprietary material that easily shapes to the sleeper’s head and neck, keeping them as best-aligned as possible. Plus, a grid of air channels helps wick away moisture and keep the pillow cool all night. No more constantly flipping to find “the cool side.”
The same materials that support your head and neck also ensure the durable design never falls flat. It’s designed for years of reliable use. Allergy sufferers will appreciate that it’s also 100% nontoxic. The GelFlex Grid material is CleanAir GOLD and CertiPUR-US certified to be hypoallergenic. The only drawback here? Price. With a regular price around $180, it’s among the priciest pillows we've seen. Although the current sale price of around $135 seems much more affordable.
What do buyers say? “It is so comfortable-literally is like a supportive cloud-haha. For something so heavy, it feels so soft!” said one Amazon reviewer.
Read more: Best Pillows for Side Sleepers
Courtesy of retailer - 10/10
Down Alternative Bed Pillows (2-Pack)
Amazon Basics
amazon.com
$36.99
For the price, Amazon’s ultra-affordable Amazon Basics line-up of everyday essentials rarely disappoints. So, it’s no surprise that it makes some of the best bang-for-your-back, value pillows too. The simply named Down Alternative Bed Pillows are a budget-friendly alternative to pricey down pillows. A two-pack of Standard Soft pillows will set you back just $37 (and that’s assuming they’re not on sale). For this roundup, the best part is that the low-profile loft is ideal for side sleepers. Each pillow is wrapped in a buttery soft, 100% polyester microfiber shell, and the whole setup, including the pillow itself, is machine-washable to boot.
These pillows are made in an OEKO-TEX Certified factory to minimize or eliminate harmful and toxic chemicals, so you can literally sleep easier (and healthier). At roughly $18 per pillow, it’s hard to complain about much of anything. And with more than 28,000 overwhelmingly positive ratings and reviews, these are easily our pick for the best value pillow for stomach sleepers.
What do buyers say? Out of more than 28,000 Amazon reviews, 82% recommend the Amazon Basics Down Alternative Bed Pillows with at least a 4-star rating.
Courtesy of retailer