DreamCloud Mattress Review - on slats bed

Best Mattress for a Stomach Sleeper 2023: Top Picks & Buying Guide

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Are you a stomach sleeper looking for a comfortable mattress with great support?

Want to buy online – and save a ton of money?

You’ve come to the right place.

As you may have already guessed from the many disappointing mattresses you’ve slept on in the past: stomach sleepers have a hard time finding the right mattress.

Many of the top online mattress brands come with only one comfort level – medium firm.  This is fine for back, side, and combination sleepers. Medium-firm mattresses provide a good balance between soft contouring and firm support.

But they are not necessarily the right choice for a  stomach sleeper, who need a firmer mattress with more support and just the right amount of contouring.

If the mattress is too soft, some sections of your body are going to sink lower and warp your spinal cord into an unnatural posture, which can cause back problems.

You also need more cooling and better motion control if you share your bed – and a touch of contouring to cradle your shoulders, ribs, and hips.

So which mattresses are best for someone who sleeps on their belly all night?


What's In This Mattress Guide?

In this guide, I will cover all you need to know to find a great mattress for a stomach sleeper.

We’ll start by recommending my favorite mattresses for stomach sleepers and then give you a cheat sheet of what to look for when shopping for a comfortable mattress.

Note: If you have back problems, see my buying guide for the best online mattresses for back pain.


Best Mattresses For Stomach Sleepers

  1. Best Latex Mattress For Stomach Sleepers:  PlushBeds Botanical Bliss 
  2. Best Memory Foam Mattress For Stomach Sleepers: Loom And Leaf
  3. Best Innerspring Mattress For Stomach Sleepers:  Saatva Classic (Firm)
  4. Best Hybrid Mattress For Stomach Sleepers:  Sparrow Signature Hybrid
  5. Best Organic Mattress For Stomach Sleepers:  Avocado Green
  6. Best Budget Foam Mattress For Stomach Sleepers:  Nectar
  7. Best Split Mattress For Stomach Sleepers: Idle Sleep Hybrid(Split King)
  8. Best Smart Mattress For Stomach Sleepers:  EightSleep
  9. Best Mattress For Heavy Stomach Sleepers:  Big Fig
  10. Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers With Back Pain:  DreamCloud
  11. Best Mattress for Stomach and Side Sleepers: Purple Hybrid Premier (3” Purple Grid)

 

MattressRatingPriceDescriptionComfort ChoicesWarrantyIn-Home TrialDeliveryConstructionHeat TransferMotion TransferSinkageOff-Gassing?Eco-friendlinessCustomer Service
Sparrow Signature Hybrid4.8 $679.20 - $1,199.20Luxury hybrid foam + pocket coil mattress.Soft,
Medium
Firm
Lifetime100 nights7 daysGel-infused memory foam, pocket coilsExcellentVery LowMinimalNoCertiPUR-US foamExcellent
Loom and Leaf4.7$1,095 - $2,595Luxury memory foam mattressFirm,
Med. Firm
15 years180 nights7-15 daysGel + memory foamExcellentLowMinimalNoCertiPUR-US foamWhite-glove
Saatva Classic4.9 $1,101 - $2,372Luxury hybrid
(foam and innerspring) mattress
Firm,
Med. Firm,
Soft
15 years180 nights7-15 daysInnerpring + foamExcellentMediumMinimalNoorganic top
recycled steel
bio-based foam
White-glove
Plushbeds Botanical Bliss
4.8$1,199 - $2,198Luxury organic latex mattressMed. Firm,
Medium
25 years100 nights2 weeksLatex, memory foamExcellentVery LowModerateNoGreenGuard Gold certifiedExcellent
Idle Sleep Hybrid (Split King)4.8$1,298-$2,748Hybrid foam and pocket coilsLuxury firm, firm, flippableLifetime18 months4-10 business daysFoam and pocket coilsExcellentMinimalMinimal/Moderate depending on firmnessA littleCertiPUR-US foamExcellent
DreamCloud
4.7$419 -$835Luxury hybrid foam + pocket coil mattressMed FirmLifetime365 nights1-5 days6 layers of foam + pocketed coilsExcellentVery LowMinimalNoCertiPUR-US foamWhite-glove optional
Avocado Green
4.7 $1,259-$2,429Luxury organic latex hybrid mattressFirm,
Med. Firm
25 years100 nights2 weeksLatex + pocketed coilsExcellentVery LowMinimalNoGreenGuard Gold certifiedExcellent
White-glove ($149)
Eight Sleep Smart Bed
4.6$3,545 – $4,245Smart/climate-controlled memory foam mattressMed. Firm10 years100-Night5-7 daysMemory foamExcellentLowMinimalYesCertiPUR-US foamGood
Nectar4.6$359 - $899High-quality memory foam mattressMed. FirmLifetime365 nights3-5 daysGel-infused memory foamExcellentLowModerateYesCertiPUR-US foamGood
White-glove option
Big Fig
4.5$999-$1,599High-quality hybrid for heavier people (foam + coils)Med. Firm20 years101 nights7-14 daysHybrid foam + enclosed coilsExcellentLowMinimalNoCertiPUR-US certified White glove $99
Purple Hybrid Premier 4.9$2,899-$6,098Hyper-elastic polymer and pocket springsMedium10 years100 nightsA week or longerHyper-elastic polymer and pocket springsExcellentModerateModerateNoneNon-toxic polymer and CertiPUR-US certified foamExcellent

1. Best Latex Mattress For Stomach Sleepers:  PlushBeds Botanical Bliss 

Best Mattress For A Stomach Sleeper

Latex mattresses are great for stomach sleepers because they are generally firmer than memory foam. They are also great at cooling, something that stomach sleepers need a bit more compared to back or side sleepers.

Just make sure you are not allergic to latex before buying a latex mattress.

One of the best latex mattresses for any sleeping position is the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss. This organic latex bed comes in two firmness options to suit different types of sleepers – medium and medium firm.  Three thicknesses are also available, from 9″ to 12″.

For stomach sleepers, choose the medium firm (the firmest of the two). It will hold your weight without sinking in too much. But it’s not so firm to the point of being uncomfortable — a layer of Talalay latex contours around high-pressure points such as your shoulders.

A soft organic cotton cover and a thin layer of pure New Zealand wool keep the mattress cool regardless of the weather.

The Botanical Bliss starts at $1,049 for a Twin.


2. Best Memory Foam Mattress For Stomach Sleepers: Loom And Leaf 

 loom and leaf

 

Loom and Leaf sell one of the most popular online mattress brands – for a reason. They sell a premium quality mattress at an affordable price.

This is one of our favorite foam mattresses.

Loom and Leaf is a memory foam mattress that offers a slightly firmer comfort level because it uses a higher density foam than most others.

That's why it offers the overall/even level of body support a stomach sleeper needs.

And because it’s memory foam, it’s also able to sink just enough to provide contouring around the shoulders, chest, and hips.

The Loom & Leaf mattress is available in two firmness levels: Relaxed Firm and Firm.

Both options have four layers of foam. Two comfort layers of memory foam at the top provide pressure-point relief. One of the layers is infused with gel to improve lumbar support and draw heat away from your body.

Two support layers – a transition polyfoam layer and a thick high-density base – ensure proper spinal alignment.

An organic cotton cover keeps you cool and wicks away sweat.

Stomach sleepers weighing under 200lbs should get the Relaxed Firm while those weighing over 200lbs will find the Firm option to be more supportive.

Loom and Leaf offer free White Glove delivery and free mattress removal with every purchase.

You also get a 180-night in-home trial, free returns and a 15-year warranty.


3. Best Innerspring Mattress For Stomach Sleepers:  Saatva Classic (Firm)

Saatva classic mattress

 

Innerspring mattresses are usually more expensive than all-foam mattresses. This is because they offer better support, excellent contouring (especially if it is a pocket coil mattress) and cool sleeping experience. They also last longer.

The extra support is especially handy for stomach sleepers.

That’s why I highly recommend the Saatva Classic mattress if you sleep on your stomach.

Saatva offers three comfort levels: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm.

I recommend the Saatva Firm (especially for heavier folks) – or the Luxury Firm, if you like a bit softer/more contouring feel.

The Saatva Classic mattress has two spring layers. There is the comfort layer consisting of pocketed coils. These coils contour perfectly to your body without causing too much sinkage. There is also a base layer consisting of tempered steel coils, which keep the mattress rigid and supportive even if you have a heavier body.

A Euro pillow top and a memory foam + polyfoam layer provide a nice plush feeling while the organic cotton cover keeps the mattress cool and fresh.


4. Best Hybrid Mattress For Stomach Sleepers:  Sparrow Signature Hybrid

If you are looking for a mattress that combines the comfort of foam and the durability and support of inner springs, then buy a hybrid mattress.

Our top recommendation for stomach sleepers is the Sparrow Signature Hybrid.

The Nest Hybrid comes in three comfort options: plush, medium, and luxury firm. Go for the Luxury Firm if you want a comfortable stomach-sleeping mattress with great support.

If a Luxury Firm mattress doesn't work for both you and your partner, Nest Bedding allows you to order a Split King with different firmness levels on each side. That way, you can get the extra firmness you need for support and your partner can enjoy a plush or medium firmness.

The Sparrow Hybrid uses a combination of memory foam, special poly foam and pocketed coils to provide excellent support while also maintaining enough sinkage for contouring.

This mattress uses gel memory foam at the top to provide some plushness and contouring. Below that, a firmer layer Energex™ Temperature Responsive Foam provides compression support and additional cooling. Essentially it ensures that your body weight is spread out evenly across the mattress. This keeps your spine properly aligned.

SmartFlow Support Foam and pocketed coils below that provide even more support, especially for heavier stomach sleepers. This layer also helps the mattress prevent pressure points under your shoulders, ribs, and hips.

For cooling, the Sparrow Signature Hybrid has some unique features you don’t get with most mattresses:

  • The cover uses a unique thermic phase-change fabric that feels cool to the touch all the time.
  • The pocket coils increase ventilation within the mattress, which carries away excess body heat.
  • They also use punched foam to create a SmartFlow airflow system that improves breathability.

5. Best Organic Mattress For Stomach Sleepers:  Avocado Green

Best Mattress For A Stomach Sleeper

 

If you prefer buying natural or organic products, then the Avocado Green is a great choice for stomach sleepers.

The Avocado Green mattress is made from 100% organic materials. It is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, OEKO-TEK Standard 100 certified, eco-INSTITUT certified, and GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified.

So you can be sure you are getting a premium product that is good for your health and the environment.

There are two versions of the Avocado Green Mattress. There’s the basic one without a pillow top and a pricier one with a 2-inch pillow top.

Buy the one without a pillow top, because it is too soft for a stomach sleeper and could cause back problems.

The mattress has three layers. The top layer of natural Dunlop latex has a responsive, medium-firm feel that is firm enough to support you but retains some softness for contouring. Below that, pocketed coils and a firmer layer of more Dunlop latex provide more firm support for your entire body.

The organic cotton cover and natural Joma New Zealand wool fire barrier keep the mattress soft, cool, and fresh.


6. Best Budget Foam Mattress For Stomach Sleepers:  Nectar

Best Mattress For A Stomach Sleeper

It isn’t cheap, being a stomach sleeper. Most of the mattresses for stomach sleepers we have highlighted in this buying guide are pricier than the usual price range for online mattresses.

But that doesn’t mean you are out of luck if you have a less generous budget.

The best budget deal for a stomach-sleeper is the Nectar mattress. It provides a comfortable sleeping experience for stomach sleepers at a great price. You can snag a Queen size for just $799.

The Nectar mattress comes in only one medium-firm comfort option.

The mattress is made of two sections. A softer comfort section is consists of quilted gel memory foam and gel memory foam and a firmer one with high-density memory foam and polyfoam. This creates a good medium-firm balance that feels a bit more firm than soft.

A Tencel cooling cover and the gel-infused into the foam layers help with cooling and breathability.


7. Best Custom/Split Mattress For Stomach Sleepers: Idle Sleep Hybrid (Split King)

best mattress for stomach sleeper

You prefer a firmer mattress for your belly-side-down slumber… but your partner needs a softer mattress.

What do you do? Sleep in separate beds?

Thankfully no.

Just get a custom or split mattress. One of the best we've reviewed is the Idle Sleep Hybrid mattress.

What makes Idle Hybrid great for couples is that there’s a Split King option, and you can choose your preferred firmness for each half of the mattress.

There are four firmness options: medium, luxury firm and flippable. The flippable option is luxury firm on one side and firm on the other.

You can choose to have your side luxury firm, while your back or side-sleeping partner enjoys a medium feel.

Or you can choose the flippable option for both sides. That way, you can adjust the firmness of your side of the mattress at any time. Things change…you are probably not going to be a stomach sleeper forever.

With the flippable option, you don’t need to buy a new mattress when you switch to sleeping on your back or side.

Idle Hybrid uses a mixture of foam layers and pocket coils to deliver good support and pressure relief. The cover is quilted for extra comfort especially under your shoulders, ribs and hips.

best bed for stomach sleepers


8. Best Smart Mattress For Stomach Sleepers:  EightSleep

Eight sleep smart mattress

If you want to track your sleep and precisely control how warm your mattress feels, then buy the smart Eight Sleep mattress.

Below the cover, it’s an ordinary medium-firm mattress (though more on the firmer side) with four layers of foam.

The top 2 layers provide contouring and buoyancy, while the base layers provide support and even weight distribution.

What sets this mattress apart is the smart cover. It is embedded with sensors to track your heartbeat, respiratory rate, sleep movements, and sleep cycles.

It also comes with temperature-programmable dual climate zones. You can warm your side of the bed while leaving your partner’s side cool.

Other features include a smart alarm that wakes you up during the lightest phase of your sleep, Alexa and IFTTT integration, and sleeping sounds.


9. Best Mattress For Heavy Stomach Sleepers:  Big Fig

Big Fig Mattress Reviews

As if it isn’t hard enough to find a good stomach-sleeper mattress, it’s even harder to find a good one if you are plus-sized.

Most sink too much and don’t last long before they start sagging and causing back problems.

The Big Fig mattress is designed specifically for overweight and obese sleepers. It uses a heavy-duty construction design consisting of high-density foam and steel coils to provide adequate support.

That’s not all.

Each mattress comes with a sturdy foundation which the company says can support up to five times the weight limit of normal foundations.

For cooling, they use ThermoGel Cooling technology and perforated foam to enhance heat and sweat dissipation out of the mattress.

This is a strong, supportive mattress that's just perfect for heavier stomach sleepers.


10. Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers With Back Pain:  DreamCloud

DreamCloud Mattress Review - on slats bed

Most doctors recommend  memory foam mattresses if you suffer from back pain. It has a proven ability to provide firm support that keeps your spine properly aligned while also providing contouring.

Beneath its soft quilted cover, the massive 15″ thick DreamCloud mattress employs multiple layers of foam.

The first 1.5″ layer contains the softcover plus two layers of foam wrapped together into a single Euro pillow top layer.  This layer gives the mattress a soft, plush feel and conforms to your body – but is not too deep, so support is always there.

The next layer is made of gel-infused memory foam for cooling.

Both top layers provide pressure relief and contouring around your midsection and your hip area where too much pressure can cause or aggravate back pain.

Below the memory foam, the Dreamcloud mattress uses a support layer of soft foam on top of a thick 8″ layer of pocketed coils. These firmer layers distribute your weight evenly and ensure that no part of your body sinks too much.

So even though this is a medium-firm mattress, it feels more firm than soft.

It’s perfect for stomach sleepers who crave a bit of softness on top.


11. Best Mattress for Stomach and Side Sleepers: Purple Hybrid Premier (3” Purple Grid)

best mattress for stomach sleeper

Shopping for a mattress for a stomach sleeper is easy. Just find a medium-firm or firm mattress with good support and a little give.

If, however, you are the kind of sleeper who frequently switches from sleeping on your stomach to sleeping on your side, shopping for the right mattress is harder.

You need a mattress that feels comfortable in both positions; firm enough to support you when you are sleeping on your belly and soft enough to cushion your hip and shoulder when sleeping on your side.

The best mattress we found for stomach and side sleepers is the Purple Hybrid Premier, specifically the one with a 3” Purple Grid, the rubbery polymer layer Purple uses in all their mattresses.

best mattress for side and stomach sleepers

There’s a Purple Hybrid Premier with a 4” grid layer, but it’s too plush for stomach sleeping.

The 3” Purple Hybrid Premier balances well between a firm supportive feel and a softer cushioning feel. So no matter how you sleep, you’ll be comfortable.

The entire mattress is 11.5” thick. A 1” layer of polyfoam underneath the grid layer and a thick base of pocketed springs provide support and additional body contouring.

As with other Purple mattresses, the Hybrid Premier has excellent cooling performance partly because it has no memory foam, but mostly because of the airflow provided by the grids in the top layer and springs in the base.

The only downside we can think of is the price. The Purple Hybrid Premier starts at $1,999 for a Twin XL and a Queen size costs $2,299.


Which Type of Mattress is Best for Stomach Sleepers?

Best Mattress For A Stomach Sleeper

Most online mattresses are made for the back, side, and multi-position sleepers. This is understandable considering that stomach sleepers make up only 7 percent of adults.

So it can be quite challenging to find the perfect mattress for us stomach sleepers.

Here are some shopping tips to help you find a comfortable mattress.

Firmer is usually better

That’s a rule of thumb for stomach sleepers.

Doctors and sleep experts generally don’t recommend sleeping on your stomach. It puts too much pressure on your back and spine. But that’s usually because most stomach sleepers sleep on mattresses that weren’t designed for their sleeping position.

The mattresses are too soft, which pushes your body further into the mattress. With nothing to properly hold up your weight, all the pressure is exerted on your back. It also causes the spine to bend unnaturally.

If you constantly get back pain when you sleep on your stomach, your mattress is the problem. Switch to a firmer one.

A firm mattress lets you float on it. This ensures your weight is distributed roughly evenly across the area your body is in contact with. No single part of your body is taking on too much pressure.

It also ensures your back doesn’t have to bend, which prevents back pain.

When you shop for a mattress, always pick the firmest option. That is if you are in the average weight range. If you have a lighter body, you can do it with a medium-firm mattress. Because you are not exerting too much pressure on it, it will still hold up your weight without any problem.

If you have a heavier body, then the firmest option is always the best. That means only buying from companies that offer 2 or 3 firmness options rather than those that offer just one medium-firm mattress.

Minimal sinkage

This goes hand in hand with a firm mattress.

A firmer mattress will have less sinkage, which is better for stomach sleepers. Minimal sinkage ensures that your spine is not bent into an unnatural position, and you have enough back support.

It also allows you to move freely on the mattress. Stomach sleepers tend to shift a bit more than other types of sleepers. This is most likely because you are putting more weight on certain parts of your body, such as your arms, so they tend to get numb after some time.

Shifting ensures you are getting proper blood flow to all parts of the body.

On a soft mattress, shifting is more difficult because you are ‘stuck’ in the mattress rather than floating on it. This can have some negative side effects. The sustained pressure and prolonged numbness in some areas of the body and reduce blood flow and cause other health issues.

Excellent contouring

As you look for a firm mattress, make sure it also has good contouring. While body pressure on the mattress is generally even when you sleep on your stomach, some areas like the shoulders and ribs press more into the mattress.

Without proper contouring, you will experience uncomfortable pressure points that could result in sore or even painful joints.

But you don’t need extra-deep contouring for comfort. Just 1” of giving is enough to cradle your shoulders and midsection. Most firm mattresses can easily provide that.

Limited motion transfer 

The constant motion when you sleep on your stomach is not a big deal when you sleep alone but can be pretty annoying when you are sharing your bed with your partner.

To avoid waking them up every time you shift to get a mattress with excellent motion control. Most foam mattresses are good at this; you can opt for either memory foam or latex.

If you decide to buy an innerspring mattress, make sure it uses pocket springs, not Bonnell springs or continuous coils.

Cooler is better

This is a given for all types of sleepers. Few people like sleeping hot. But stomach sleepers are especially sensitive to heat because a larger surface area of their body is in contact with the mattress. Your front side of the body also radiates more heat than the back.

It's easy to get all sweaty and stuffy if you sleep on a hot mattress. Memory foam is especially bad. It tends to retain the heat instead of passing it out of the mattress.

If you decide to buy a memory foam mattress, make sure it comes with cooling features such as gel-infused foam or perforated foam. A cool, breathable cover is also a must.

Latex, hybrid and innerspring mattresses are generally cooler and the best if you are very sensitive to heat. They also provide better breathability and cooling for overweight sleepers who generate much more heat and produce more sweat.

Consider your weight

While stomach sleepers are generally better off with a firm mattress, that’s not always the case. Depending on your body weight, a soft or medium-firm mattress may provide better support and contouring.

Take your BMI into account when choosing a mattress.

If your BMI is less than 19, try a soft mattress. Such a low BMI means you weigh less than average. A firm mattress may support you well, but it will feel too hard, especially on your bones and joints. A softer mattress will be better at contouring.

If your BMI is between 19 and 25, the average for most people, a medium-firm mattress is ideal. Most medium-firm mattresses lie more on the firmer side so should provide adequate support while also contouring any vulnerable pressure points.

If your BMI is between 26 and 31, which is the overweight category, definitely go for a firm mattress. It will provide the best support.

If your BMI is higher than 31, it most likely means you are obese. Look for a firm heavy-duty mattress designed specifically for obese and overweight sleepers. We have recommended an excellent choice in the reviews above.


I am a Stomach Sleeper: What Type of Pillow Should I Buy?

best stomach sleeper pillow

As with mattresses, most pillows are designed for other types of sleepers. You’ll find most of them uncomfortable for your neck.

The problem is that they are too thick. Even a medium-thick pillow is not ideal since it pushes the head up into an unnatural position. By morning your neck will be feeling very sore. That is if you make it to morning without pushing the pillow aside and just laying your head directly on the mattress.

Some stomach sleepers find it more comfortable not to use a pillow at all.

If you’d rather use a pillow to find the thinnest one you can. A 2.5” pillow is good enough. You need as  little lift as possible. Your head needs to be almost perfectly aligned with the rest of your body to avoid stressing your neck.

As for the firmness, that will mostly depend on your preferences. Anything between soft and medium-firm is great.

If you are willing to pay a bit more, check out special pillows for stomach sleepers. They are designed to be easier on the neck and provide excellent breathability.

Some come with a gap at the front where you can lie face down without suffocating. Others are ventilated to help you breath better.

 


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