Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers & Position Guide
The position you choose has a massive impact on spinal alignment. While most people sleep on their sides, stomach sleepers require a specific "flat and firm" surface to prevent the hips from sinking and causing back pain.
Top 3 Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers
We tested dozens of beds to find the ones that provide the rigid support needed to keep the spine aligned.
1. Plank Luxe Hybrid
Widely considered the best mattress for stomach sleepers. Features a "Firm" side and an "Extra Firm" side for zero sinkage.
Shop Plank Luxe
2. Helix Dawn Elite
Uses high-density foam and micro-coils to create a surface that is firm but contours slightly to the ribs. Luxury feel.
Shop Helix Dawn
3. Diamond Hybrid (Firm)
The "Black Diamond" firm version excels at cooling while maintaining the rigid structure heavy or stomach sleepers need.
Shop DiamondQuick Comparison: Side vs. Stomach
| Feature | Stomach Sleepers | Side Sleepers |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Risk | Lower back arching (Hyperlordosis) | Shoulder & hip pressure points |
| Ideal Firmness | Firm to Extra Firm (7-10/10) | Medium Soft to Medium (4-6/10) |
| Pillow Height | Low Loft (Thin or no pillow) | High Loft (Fill neck gap) |
| Mattress Type | Dense Foam / Strong Hybrid | Plush Hybrid / Memory Foam |
What about Side Sleepers?
While stomach sleepers need a "board," side sleepers need a "cloud with support." If you try to sleep on the Plank or Diamond Firm on your side, you will likely wake up with numb arms or sore hips.
The Rule: If you strictly sleep on your side, look for medium-soft options like the Helix Midnight or Nolah Evolution rather than the firm models listed above.
The Contrast
- Stomach: Needs resistance to keep the body on top of the mattress.
- Side: Needs contouring to let the body in to the mattress.
Pillows: The Overlooked Variable
For Stomach Sleepers
The Goal: Prevent the neck from craning backward.
Use an ultra-thin pillow. In fact, many stomach sleepers find the most relief by sleeping with no pillow under their head, but placing a small, flat pillow under their pelvis to lift the hips.
For Side Sleepers
The Goal: Fill the "gap" between ear and mattress.
You need a "high loft" pillow. If your pillow is too thin, your head drops, straining the neck. If you have broad shoulders, you need an even thicker pillow (5 inches or more).