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Even though only 7 percent of the population sleeps on their stomach, there are a wide range of mattresses to suit this sleep style. Some people sleep on their stomachs to reduce snoring or simply because they find it more comfortable. Whatever the case, front-facing sleepers need a quality mattress that won't cause strain in thei neck or back. More specifically, they'll want a firmer mattress that is designed to keep their hips and lower back lifted and their spine aligned so as to not cause lower back pain. As a prone sleeper myself, I have been invested in uncovering the best mattresses for stomach sleepers — to find the most supportive and comfortable options among the best mattresses.
For this guide, I examined a variety of medium and firm mattresses for their comfort, support, motion isolation, and temperature regulation. The best mattress for stomach sleepers overall is PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Organic Latex Mattress, an all-organic mattress that's both supportive and stays temperature-neutral throughout the night. Though it may be a bit on the pricey side, considering it's made to order, has a lifetime warranty, and is made of organic materials including dense latex, it's worth the investment. That's not to say you can't get a supportive stomach mattress at a more affordable price — like the Zinus Cooling Comfort Hybrid Mattress, which combines cooling gel, memory foam and individually wrapped coils that do a good job of supporting the spine.
Learn more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and reviews mattresses.
Our picks of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers
Best overall: PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Organic Latex Mattress - See at PlushBeds
Best budget: Zinus Cooling Comfort Hybrid Mattress - See at Amazon
Best hybrid: Helix Dusk Luxe - See at Helix
Best foam: Tempur-Pedic ProAdapt Firm - See at Tempur-Pedic
Best for back pain: Bear Elite Hybrid - See at Bear
Best extra firm: Plank Firm by Brooklyn Bedding - See at Brooklyn Bedding
Best cooling: Purple FlexMattress - See at Purple
Best for couples: Awara Premier Luxury Hybrid Mattress - See at Awara
Best overall
The PlushBeds Botanical Bliss mattress is certified organic and stays cool. The medium-firm feel is ideal for stomach and back sleepers.
- Excellent pressure relief
- Stays cool
- GOTS and GOLS-certified materials
- Available in two firmness and three height options
- Dual-firmness option in queen beds and larger
- Lifetime warranty
- May be too firm for side sleepers
- Poor edge support
- Heavy to move
I've been a fan of the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Organic Latex Mattress since I first laid on it in 2022. Even though I've tested many mattresses over the last three years, the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Organic Latex Mattress is still my favorite and the mattress I sleep on when I'm not testing mattresses. Its medium-firm option is well-suited to stomach and back sleepers.
Although it's one of the heaviest and most cumbersome mattresses I've had to get on a bed, it's a small price to pay for a mattress with a medium-firm feel that keeps my hips lifted and my spine aligned, while also remaining cozy and comfortable. It relieves any pain I'm experiencing with a night or two of sleep. Plus, I sleep better knowing that I'm not breathing any toxic or allergy-inducing materials from this organic mattress.
The mattress has a fully organic latex construction, including materials you can feel good about like GOLS-certified latex, GOTS-certified organic cotton, and GOTS-certified organic wool. The mattress' support comes from a natural latex layer that offers support and comfort, followed by an organic latex comfort layer, and then a support core made from a more durable and dense dunlop latex. If need be, you can rearrange the layers of the mattress to achieve the best feel, though it's unlikely you'll need to do this considering you can choose between two firmness options and three thickness options ( 9, 10, and 12 inches). I'd even suggest this mattress to those who are combo sleepers or who have a partner with a different sleep style as you can order the mattress in split sizes so one side is medium and the other side is medium-firm.
In addition to its eco-credentials, the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Organic Latex Mattress does a phenomenal job at motion isolation and breathability. It's not a cooling mattress, but it will keep you temperature neutral throughout the night. I sleep with a heavy comforter on this bed no matter the season (and I live in Texas where the summers get hot!) and I've yet to feel overheated.
I admit that the edge support is severely lacking. When I lie with my shoulders aligned to the edge, I can get about 40 degrees before I feel like I'm about to fall. Plus, I can feel the mattress dip when I lie too close to the edge, and it sinks four inches when I sit on the side (for reference, I'm 180 pounds., so it could sink further or not as much for someone who weighs more or less than I do). Fortunately, it excels in all other areas we analyze our mattresses for. The 100-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty are also helpful in making sure this mattress is the right choice.
Read our best organic mattress guide for more sustainably made mattresses.
Best budget
The Zinus Cooling Comfort Mattress offers cushioning support for stomach sleepers and excels in its motion isolation and temperature regulation properties.
- Firm, contouring surface
- Notable temperature regulation
- Decent edge support
- May not be supportive enough for heavy stomach sleepers
- No California king and Twin XL options
Don't let the budget price of the 12-inch Zinus Cooling Comfort Support Hybrid Mattress fool you, this hybrid mattress is a great cheap mattress option for stomach sleepers who like the support of a hybrid and the contouring cushioning of memory foam, though without that sink in feeling. Where the coils will keep your hips lifted and your spine aligned, the gel-infused memory foam will offer comfort as you sleep on your stomach.
The individually wrapped support coils respond to your movements and do not reverberate to your partner's side of the bed. This results in better sleep for couples as you won't feel your partner move at night. Not to mention, the coils along the edges feel secure, ensuring that the mattress edges won't sag and you can comfortably get in and out of bed.
Our tester thought the mattress provided good pressure relief no matter the sleep position, and has yet to awake sore come morning. In terms of keeping you cool, the hybrid design automatically allows for more airflow. The gel-infused memory foam works against your body heat, keeping you cool throughout the night.
Though marketed as a medium-plush, it sleeps more firm, making it well-suited as a comfortable option for stomach sleepers. It might not however offer enough support for heavy sleepers over 250 pounds, who may find they sink in too far. However, some long term users within Amazon have questioned its long-term durability or sagging. It is backed by a 10-year warranty.
Best hybrid
The medium-firm Helix Dusk Luxe is tailor-made for back and stomach sleepers. The hybrid sleeps exceptionally cool and provides excellent support, but edge support was lacking.
- Excellent comfort and support for back sleepers
- Sleeps cool
- Ergo-Align layer (add-on) provides extra support for those with a history of back pain
- Likely too firm for strict side sleepers
- Poor edge support
- Minimal showroom availability
The Helix Dusk Luxe is one of the most comfortable mattresses I've ever slept on. It provides a bouncy and cushioned feel with hybrid support that prevents your body from sinking deeply into the bed. I'd rate it highly among the best hybrid mattressess and give it a 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale.
The responsive foam layers provide pressure relief while contouring slightly around your body; the individually wrapped coils keep your spine aligned when lying on your stomach. Enhanced lumbar support also contributes to alleviating back pain. We also love it for back sleepers too, looking for medium-firm support. The edges of the mattress are reinforced, but sinks about 3.5 inches, placing its performance as squarely average among other mattresses. In terms of motion isolation, it's unlikely you'll feel your partner getting in and out of bed, but you may feel them change positions. This is pretty typical for most hybrid mattresses.
The Helix Dusk Luxe with a Tencel cover did an average job at regulating my temperature at night (to be fair, I tested it at the height of a Texas summer). There were some nights where I grew warm and other nights I didn't. For reference, I'm not a hot sleeper. If you generally run warm or hot, then upgrading to the GlacioTex Cooling Cover is well worth the additional cost, as my editor Jaclyn Turner did when she reviewed the Helix Dusk Luxe, and found it dissipated heat well.
Read our full Helix Dusk Luxe mattress review.
Best foam
The Tempur-Pedic ProAdapt is a supportive mattress with excellent pressure relief that keeps you cool throughout the night. It's available in three firmnesses, plus a hybrid.
- Medium hybrid is comfortable for side, stomach, and back sleepers
- Highly responsive to movement
- Provides pressure relief that helps alleviate neck and hip pain
- Excellent motion isolation, edge support, and breathable
- Expensive
- Not everyone will like the feel of Tempur-Material
It can be tricky to find the best foam mattress that's supportive enough for a stomach sleeper. There's this connotation with foam that your body will sink too much, but that's not the case when you find the right high-density foam that is able to support and contour your body. The Tempur-Pedic ProAdapt is available in four firmness options — Soft, Medium, Medium Hybrid, and Firm — with the Firm being an optimal option for stomach sleepers as its high-density foam mattress keeps the spine aligned. Feel wise, you can expect a contouring surface that lifts your hips and lower back. According to Tempur-Pedic, the ProAdapt offers 20 percent more pressure relief thanks to the Tempur-Material they adapted from NASA to be more conforming, motion absorbing, durable, and pressure relieving. This is something that would benefit stomach sleepers as such a sleep position can put pressure on your joints and muscles.
As with any foam mattress, the Tempur-Pedic Pro Adapt excels in terms of motion isolation. Your partner can get in and out of bed or change sleep positions, and you likely won't feel it. Of the four firmness options, the Medium-Hybrid will have the best edge support, since it is a hybrid mattress, but our tester who also spent some time on the Firm felt minimal sinkage.
The foam layers of the Tempur-Pedic ProAdapt are perforated for airflow, which improves breathability. Reviewers' feedback is mixed, but it seems that this foam mattress does a pretty good job of regulating heat.
The Tempur-Pedic Pro Adapt is one of the most expensive mattresses in this guide, so it's a little disappointing to see its 90-night trial, is one of the shortest trials and may incur a shipping return fee. It does, however, include in-home set-up.
Read our Tempur-Pedic ProAdapt mattress review.
Best for back pain
The Bear Elite Hybrid's copper-infused memory foam design and sturdy well-designed coils reduces back pain and provides good temperature regulation and motion isolation. The mix of breathable foam and well-designed coils aims to create a mattress that combines the best of both worlds.
- Copper infused memory foam provides excellent temperature regulation and motion isolation
- Three firmness options
- Reassuring 120-night trial and lifetime warranty
- Extra lumbar support to reduce back pain
- Edge support along the foot of the bed could be better
- Medium and firm options not suited to side sleepers
Sleeping on your stomach always comes with the risk of lower back pain, especially if the mattress isn't supportive around your hips. If back pain is your biggest concern, the Bear Elite Hybrid is an ideal option.
This 14-inch mattress comes in three firmness level options — soft, medium, and firm — and having tested the medium option, I can say that it did a great job in pressure relief, especially along my lower back. This has to do with the fact that the mattress has a zoned coil system to relieve pressure points. High gauge coils are placed down the center for lumbar support. The coil system and memory foam (that's infused with copper with antimicrobial properties) work in tandem to eliminate lower back pain.
If you can manage the additional $195, add the Celliant-infused cooling cover. Not only is it plush enough to put you to sleep in seconds (as it did with me), but it assists with the cooling features of this hybrid mattress. I tested the mattress in July in Texas and never once woke up warm or sweaty thanks to the cover. The temperature regulation combined with the mattress' support and nestling cover will make for a lovely night of sleep.
For a hybrid mattress, the Bear Elite Hybrid does a great job isolating motion, making it a good choice for couples. The edge support is most impressive along the sides of the mattress rather than at the foot of the bed or the corners. I wouldn't let this affect your decision to try it, especially since this mattress has a 120-night trial.
Check out our guide for the best mattresses for back pain.
Best extra-firm
A two-sided mattress, the Plank by Brooklyn Bedding delivers unique firmness levels with optional cooling on each side. It is constructed for sleepers who say a typical firm is never firm enough.
With a name like "Plank," it's no wonder that the Plank Firm by Brooklyn Bedding is our extra firm pick. The only thing firmer would be sleeping on the actual floor. What makes this surprisingly affordable mattress special is that it's flippable. One side of the mattress has an extra-firm feel (marked at a 10 on the 10-point firmness scale) while the other side is medium-firm (marked at an 8). If you have a partner who can't sleep on their stomach, you might need to flip the mattress to the medium-firm side, though for couples to be comfortable on a mattress this firm, you'll hopefully want to both have an appreciation for firm mattresses. Stomach sleepers should be able to sleep on either side of this mattress, as it's sure to keep their spine aligned and their hips and lower back supported. It will likely be too hard on pressure points for side and some back sleepers.
In terms of breathability, we're pretty impressed by the temperature regulation, especially considering it's an all-foam mattress. Even so, hot sleepers might want to upgrade to the GlacioTex Cooling Cover for an even cooler sleep experience. Just keep in mind that the cover can only be placed on the extra firm side of the mattress.
As a memory foam mattress, you can expect better-than-average motion isolation. Your partner won't wake you in the middle of the night. Surprisingly, the edge support is better than most memory foam mattresses, most likely due in part to the extremely high density foams. Perhaps the biggest drawback to this extra firm mattress is that returns incur a $99 fee if you decide it's not the bed for you. .
Read our Plank Firm Mattress review.
Best cooling
Purple’s budget option, the PurpleFlex, offers impressive pressure relief and spinal alignment while staying cool. Its firmer-than-average feel is ideal for back and stomach sleepers.
- Great edge support
- Stays cool
- Excellent pressure relief
- Polymer grid keeps your spine aligned
- Poor motion isolation
- May be too firm for side sleepers
- Only eight inches
Foam mattresses aren't typically known for their cooling capabilities, which is what makes the PurpleFlex Mattress so special. In addition to a base support foam and edge support foam, this mattress is outfitted with Purple's unique GelFlex Grid, which is made of an ultra-responsive and pressure-relieving proprietary Hyper-Elastic Polymer arranged in a repeating geometric structure. It dissipates heat so thoroughly that I actually got cold sleeping in the middle of the night. It's the only mattress I've ever tested that had me sleeping in sweatpants and a hoodie, which is why I rate it highly among our best cooling mattresses.
Like other foam mattresses, the PurpleFlex Mattress excels in motion isolation capabilities. To test this, I placed a wine glass in the center of the mattress and dropped a 15 pound dumbbell four, 10, and 25 inches away. The glass only wobbled slightly but never fell over. I also had a friend get on and off the mattress and switch sleep positions and I couldn't feel them move. This leads me to say that you won't wake up when your fidgety partner turns in their sleep or gets up in the middle of the night.
Despite the reinforced edges, I found the edge support to be lacking. You're not going to fall off the edge as you sleep, but sitting on the sides of the 8-inch mattress will have you sinking down further than you might like. Where I would label the edge support as good, another Business Insider reviewer rated it as great because when they laid on the mattress with their shoulders aligned to the edge and slowly rolled off the bed, they made it past 45 degrees before having to catch their fall. It also only sunk down three inches, which is above average.
Most importantly, the PurpleFlex Mattress has a medium-firm to firm feel, making it well-suited to stomach and back sleepers. I'd rate it a 7.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale. The surface is springy and even though it felt like I was sleeping on top of the mattress, the foam slightly contoured around my body. If all that doesn't convince you to buy the PurpleFlex Mattress, perhaps the price will. It's Purple's most affordable offering, and when on sale, a queen-size mattress can go for less than $1,000.
Read our full PurpleFlex Mattress review.
Best for couples
The organic Awara Premier Natural Luxury Hybrid Mattress excels in comfort for back and stomach sleepers and will regulate the temperature of hot sleepers.
- Made with certified organic materials
- Great at temperature regulation
- Solid side edge support
- Good motion isolation capabilities
- No customization options
- Poor edge support along the foot of the mattress
Couples can't go wrong with the Awara Premier Luxury Hybrid Mattress. This organic hybrid mattress has four inches of GOLS & FSC-certified organic latex and a cover quilted with New Zealand organic wool under a rayon blend made from bamboo. Comfort-wise, I'd describe the Awara Premier Luxury Hybrid Mattress as medium-firm. The top layer is cozy and soft while providing support along the hips and lower back, marking it as an ideal option for stomach and back sleepers. It could potentially be suitable to your side sleeping partner too, as there is a slight give to the surface. With a year-long trial with free returns, couples can make sure that it fits their different sleep styles. Edge support is impressive along the sides, more so than the foot of the bed, meaning if you have a partner who sprawls over from their half of the bed, you can feel secure if you get pushed to the edge.
After running a variety of tests, I came to the conclusion that the motion isolation is fairly good. In other words, I think most couples would be satisfied with the mattress' motion isolation, but they may feel a slight bit of movement when one partner moves during the night. At the least, the surface is bouncy — a pro for sex.
Where it succeeds most is in temperature regulation. The Awara Premier Luxury Hybrid Mattress won't make you and your partner feel cool, but it will keep both your body temperatures neutral throughout the night. This is of no surprise, as it's something that organic hybrid mattresses do exceptionally well. Considering the organic materials and the lifetime warranty, the Awara Premier Luxury Hybrid Mattress is a solid mattress buy for couples.
Read our Awara Premier Luxury Hybrid Mattress review.
What to look for
Type
There is not a single mattress type that's best for stomach sleepers, however, most stomach sleepers tend to gravitate toward hybrid and innerspring mattresses because they're usually on the firmer side, thus offering the kind of support that stomach sleepers need. Despite that, we've included a latex foam mattress as our number one pick and quite a few foam mattresses on this list, proving that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing a mattress.
Firmness
Stomach sleepers will find better sleep and pressure relief with a firmer mattress. On a 10-point firmness scale, the mattress should be no less than a 6. This does not mean that a mattress with an 8 or a 10 on the firmness scale will suit you better. In fact, that might be too firm for some (and not for others). Keep an eye out for mattresses described as "medium-firm" or "firm," as they'll be better suited to your sleep style.
Those who weigh over 250 pounds, may find medium-firm mattresses to be too soft or not provide the same support as they would to someone who weighs less. In that case, an extra firm or firm mattress with a higher rating on the firmness scale would be a better fit.
Spinal alignment and pressure relief
Although all types of sleepers need to keep spinal alignment and pressure relief in mind when looking for a mattress, it's especially important for stomach sleepers.
"When sleeping, the spine and pelvis should remain in a neutral position to reduce joint pressure and stress on associated musculature," advises Dr. Kevin Lees, D.C., Director of Chiropractic Operations at The Joint Chiropractic.
This is why medium-firm to firm mattresses are the better choice for stomach sleepers. They do a better job at aligning your spine by lifting your hips and lower back.
Breathability
When shopping for a mattress, it's incredibly important to consider a breathable or temperature regulating mattress. A mattress that does a poor job at dissipating heat is one that will disrupt your sleep causing you to wake up due to the heat or because you're sweating (or both). You don't necessarily need a "cooling mattress," though it's definitely something that hot sleepers or those who tend to sweat easily might want to consider. We've tested plenty of mattresses that are designed to keep a sleeper's temperature "neutral," which can ensure a great sleep too.
Motion Isolation
If you share a bed with another person, then you'll want a mattress with great motion isolation capabilities because you don't want to be awoken when your partner moves or gets in and out of bed. Typically foam mattresses do better than hybrid mattresses when it comes to motion isolation.
Edge Support
Edge support can be important to the mattress' structural integrity, ensuring that it lasts longer. It also extends the sleep surface area and can make getting in and out of bed a lot easier. Firmer mattresses and hybrid mattresses tend to have better edge support than other mattresses because of the use of firmer materials, however, that's not always the case.
Company policies
Company policies may not seem that important, but they can make a big difference. Regardless if you purchase your bed online versus a store, a lengthy sleep will help you determine if the mattress is right for you. This is where the sleep trial policy comes in. Most mattresses offer at least 100 nights to test a mattress, though some offer up to a year. Always check to see if the brand will charge you a fee to return the mattress if it's not a fit.
Equally as important is the warranty. Ten-year warranties are most common, because most mattress materials break down after 10 years. Some brands are now offering lifetime warranties, which could save you considerable amounts of money in the future. Always read the fine print when it comes to warranties. For instance, there are some lifetime warranties broken down into decades and have fees associated after the 20-year mark, or only apply to the original purchasers.
How we chose the best mattresses for stomach sleepers
I've been testing mattresses since 2021 for various outlets. As of now, I've tested over 20 mattresses, including my latest with Business Insider—the Awara Premier Luxury Hybrid Mattress.
For this buying guide, I utilized my own testing experience and that of my fellow Business Insider reviewers to determine the best fit for each category. When it comes to testing mattresses for Business Insider, we go beyond the comfort and feel of a mattress, and look at other key characteristics like edhe support, motion isolation, and temperature regulation. We also examine the various policies related to mattresses and determine whether the price matches the quality of the mattress at hand.
Learn more how we test mattresses.
Mattress for stomach sleepers FAQs
What type of mattress is best for stomach sleepers?
We've provided a wide range of mattress types for stomach sleepers in this guide. Whether you prefer foam or hybrid mattresses, we've got you covered. That said, "Innerspring mattresses often have the firmest feel, but a hybrid or foam mattress may help avoid pressure points over the pelvis or arms," says Dr. Lees.
As much as we want to say that one mattress type is better than another, they all have their benefits, even to stomach sleepers. However, if you can find a firm mattress that you like, you're likely to have a better sleep experience in the long run.
Is a soft or firm mattress better for stomach sleepers?
Stomach sleepers should invest invest in a mattress on the firmer side, and should at least be of medium firmness.
"A mattress that is too soft may allow the stomach and hips to sink, adding to the spinal stress with increased neck extension or an increased lower back curve," explains Dr. Lees.
What type of mattress should you get if your a combination sleeper and lay on your stomach and side?
As a combo sleeper, I've found that hybrid mattresses are usually better for stomach and back sleepers. Foam mattresses — whether they're made with latex or memory foam — typically benefit side and stomach sleepers. All that to say, I've definitely slept on my stomach and side on various hybrid mattresses like the Awara Premier Luxury Hybrid. It really depends on your weight, body structure, and how the surface of a mattress feels.
Is it healthy to sleep on your stomach
As comfortable as it is for you to sleep on your stomach, it might not be the healthiest sleep position. According to Dr. Lees, "Stomach sleeping can stress the upper back, neck, and lower back. Stomach sleepers must turn their heads to the side when sleeping to breathe, and this rotation and extension can cause tension and pressure on the muscles and joints in the upper back and neck. Stomach sleeping can increase the natural curve of the lower back. This added stress can cause joint inflammation and pain."
If all that wasn't enough, he adds, "The long-term effects of stomach sleeping could lead to headaches, nerve compression, and osteoarthritis."
Should stomach sleepers sleep with a pillow?
Pillows aren't a necessity for stomach sleepers, however, if you want to sleep with a pillow, — we recommend Parachute's down alternative pillow in soft — there are some things to consider.
"Some stomach sleepers might prefer no pillow at all. If using a pillow, it should be made of soft, breathable material and thin," says Dr. Lees. "Too much loft or thickness can cause the neck to be pushed backward at an awkward angle.
How can you make a mattress firmer?
If you want to make your mattress firmer, you'll need to invest in a firm mattress topper. A latex or high-density foam topper is your best bet, though that's not to say that a memory foam topper couldn't firm up your mattress too. For instance, I tested the Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper on my PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Organic Latex Mattress, and it increased the firmness of my PlushBeds mattress. It's a great firm mattress topper option.
Remember — you can keep your mattress firm by rotating it per the brand's instructions. Nothing softens a mattress over time more than sleeping in the same position in the same spot night after night.
