The Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleeping may seem straightforward enough, but these sleepers often require an extra dose of back support. These are the models I recommend.
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Understanding Stomach Sleepers’ Needs
Those who don’t sleep on their stomach may wonder how sleeping face down could possibly be comfortable. I should know — I’m a former stomach sleeper myself and can speak to what to look for when shopping for a mattress. Not to mention, I’m also a professional mattress tester with nearly six years of experience, and a certified Sleep Science coach, akin to a personal trainer who helps you sleep better.
The main pain point for stomach sleepers is spinal alignment, so a mattress for them should prioritize this feature. For most stomach sleepers, their head is twisted to the side, putting strain on the neck and upper back. The lower back has a natural “S” curve, and if a mattress lacks firmness or lumbar support, the back tends to sink into the mattress surface — something you want to avoid.
Even slight sinking or placing your back at an unnatural angle for prolonged periods (i.e., throughout the night) is a surefire way to develop back pain. Make sure your shoulders and hips stay at the same level with a firmer surface, such as the ones we’ve tested below.
We test mattresses for various scenarios, including Best Mattresses for Back Pain, Best Cooling Mattresses, Best Organic Mattresses, and the Best Mattresses we’ve found to date.
Best Overall
Wolf Memory Foam Hybrid Premium Firm Mattress
Price: $1,199 (Currently $634, 42% off on Amazon)
Materials: Memory foam, pocketed coils, cooling cover
Firmness: Medium-firm (6.5/10)
Height: 13 inches
Trial Period: 101 nights; 30-day break-in period required before return
Warranty: Limited lifetime
Proper spinal alignment is critical for stomach sleepers, as a mattress that’s too soft can cause sinkage around the lower back — a no-go for this sleep position and a common cause of back pain. However, firmer mattresses don’t always include pressure-relieving materials that many stomach sleepers want for cushioning around the hips.
The Wolf Premium Firm mattress strikes a balance with a medium-firm feel that ensures strong support around the midsection and a cooling cover that rivals some of the best cooling mattresses I’ve tested. It distributes body weight evenly across the surface, keeping the lumbar zone uplifted without excess pressure on the hips. The gel memory foam comfort layers hug the body, while pocketed coils create zoned support for heavier areas. These materials also aid airflow, making it excellent for hot sleepers.
Read the full Wolf Mattress review for more details.
Best for Stomach-Side Combination Sleepers
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
Price: $2,127 (Currently $1,489, 30% off)
Materials: AirFoam, memory foam, pocketed coils, organic cotton cover; GlacioTex pillow top (upcharge)
Firmness Levels: Plush (4/10), Luxury Firm (6.5/10), Firm (8/10)
Height: 14 inches
Trial Period: 120 nights; 30-day break-in period required before return
Warranty: Limited lifetime
The Nolah Evolution hybrid mattress is what I sleep on when not testing other beds. It handles both stomach and side sleeping with ease. Designed to prioritize pressure relief and lumbar support, the mattress features AirFoam for enhanced comfort with strategically placed zoned foam layers and pocketed coils for firm support under the lower back.
Its three firmness options make it customizable: the Luxury Firm (medium-firm) offers balanced pressure relief for hips and lumbar support, while the Firm model is suitable for true stomach sleepers. The GlacioTex cooling pillow top is an additional cost and may reduce lumbar support due to its softness.
If temperature regulation is your primary concern, consider investing in cooling sheets, as the cooling cover is no longer included with the base model.
Best Firm Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
Plank Firm Mattress by Brooklyn Bedding
Price: $1,532 (Currently $1,149, 25% off)
Materials: Flippable design with quilted tops on both sides, two layers of foam
Firmness: Dual-sided: Firm (8/10) and Extra Firm (10/10)
Height: 10 inches
Trial Period: 120 nights; 30-day break-in period required before return
Warranty: Limited lifetime
Firm mattresses are reliable options for stomach sleepers who want to avoid back issues. They provide minimal give around the pelvis—the heaviest area when lying down—preventing the lower back from sinking and losing alignment.
The Plank Firm mattress is an exception to the usual no-all-foam-mattresses-for-stomach-sleepers rule. It features two firmness levels, one on each side: a standard firm side and an extra-firm side. This flippable design allows you to choose your preferred firmness. Either side supports the spine well, making it ideal for strict stomach sleepers.
If you switch between stomach and side sleeping often, note that the mattress may feel too firm for your pressure points, and a softer mattress might be better suited for you.
Best for Stomach Sleepers With Back Pain
Bear Elite Hybrid (Firm)
Price: $2,427 (Currently $1,699, 30% off)
Materials: Copper-infused memory foam, memory foam, pocketed coils, phase-change material cover; Celliant cover (upcharge)
Firmness: Soft (5/10), Medium (6/10), Firm (7/10)
Height: 14 inches
Trial Period: 120 nights; 30-day break-in period required before return
Warranty: Limited lifetime
Many members of our team, including myself, suffer from back issues. Bear Elite Hybrid in Firm is effective in managing back pain, offering very little sinkage to avoid misalignment. It features a pillow top for cushioned hips and a phase-change material cover that provides cooling.
Zoned pocketed coils provide critical lumbar support, while memory foam layers prevent any harsh feel against the body. Although the Celliant cover claims to promote muscle recovery, the evidence remains inconclusive.
Best Hybrid Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
Tiami Luxury Hybrid Mattress
Price: $2,995 (Currently $2,396, 20% off)
Materials: Organic cotton cover, Energex foam, foam-capped pocketed coils
Firmness: Firm (7/10)
Height: 12 inches
Trial Period: 100 nights; 30-day break-in period required before return
Warranty: 10 years
The Tiami hybrid mattress stands out as a luxury option designed to provide full-body support—a vital aspect for stomach sleepers. It utilizes specialty Energex foam, an advanced version of memory foam that adapts to your body shape while offering excellent pressure relief and breathability.
Foam caps on pocketed coils also contribute a gentle lift effect that adjusts to weight distribution, enhancing lumbar support. I found the support around hips and shoulders cradling without losing firmness.
Interestingly, I chose not to use a pillow while testing, which some stomach sleepers prefer to maintain spinal alignment. For those who need a pillow, we have a list of the best pillows suitable for stomach sleepers.
Best Affordable Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress
Price: $1,698 (Currently $649, 62% off)
Materials: Cooling cover, memory foam, pocketed coils
Firmness: Medium-firm (6.5/10)
Height: 12 inches
Trial Period: 365 nights; 30-day break-in period required before return
Warranty: Limited lifetime
The DreamCloud Hybrid is a dependable mattress known for firm support, spine alignment, pressure relief, and responsiveness. It has consistently remained affordable while offering a generous sleep trial and warranty comparable to more expensive brands.
The quilted top foam layer contours well around hips and chest, providing excellent pressure relief. Its firm layers of foam and pocketed coils support the lumbar region, preventing backaches.
Note that the updated model no longer includes handles and the cooling cover may not be as effective as some expect.
Best Latex Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
Thuma Hybrid Mattress
Price: $1,595
Materials: Tencel cover, organic wool, memory foam, organic latex, recycled steel pocketed coils
Firmness: Plush, Medium (7.5/10), Firm
Height: 10 inches
Trial Period: 100 nights; 30-day break-in period required before return
Warranty: 15 years
Latex mattresses are excellent for stomach sleepers seeking firmness that still offers some softness around the hips. Latex feels like a dense yet supportive marshmallow, similar to memory foam but natural and less heat-retentive.
Thuma’s Hybrid mattress is designed to complement their Japanese joinery bed frames. It features three firmness levels with a medium firmness that works well for stomach sleeping. Although not fully organic, it contains many organic materials including a eucalyptus-based Tencel cover, organic wool for cushioning and natural fire resistance, and GOLS-certified latex for pressure relief and lumbar support.
With firm pocketed coils providing extra pushback, this bed supports the lumbar region without feeling rigid — all while remaining easy to move around on.
Choosing the right mattress makes all the difference for stomach sleepers. Prioritize firm support and spinal alignment, but don’t neglect pressure relief especially around the hips and shoulders. Hopefully, these picks help you find your perfect mattress for restful, pain-free sleep.
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