If you like to sleep flat on your stomach, then you need a mattress that can support your hips and spine. The best mattresses for stomach sleepers are firmer beds with ample support, to help negate the spine-twisting effect of sleeping on your front.
Our experienced sleep team has spent thousands of hours testing this year's best mattresses for all sleep styles, and as a stomach sleeper, I know the right mattress can lead to better nights and fresher mornings. Our number one mattress pick for stomach sleepers is the Helix Dusk Luxe — I’ve slept on this one myself and I can confirm that it hits the perfect blend of cushioning and support.
Stomach sleeping might be bad for your back, but a supportive mattress can improve this slightly awkward sleep posture. We've found a stomach sleeper mattress for every budget and sleep need, plus the best deals in today's mattress sales, so read on to find our top recommendations.
The best mattress for stomach sleepers overall
The best mattress for most stomach sleepers is the Helix Dusk Luxe. Designed specifically for those who sleep on their front, this premium bed takes the top spot thanks to its sturdy 13.5" design that provides medium-level support through five durable foam layers and a strong tier of individually wrapped coils to aid the lumbar region.
Our experience with the Dusk Luxe revealed cushioning but responsive comfort, with our belly-sleeping testers finding the hybrid to be one of the most comfortable mattresses on the market. We found it provides the right amount of body-contouring pressure relief along the knees, shoulders, and hips, and is ideal for those who want soothing comfort without sacrificing support.
The Dusk Luxe also does a good job at providing motion isolation, making it a nice choice for bed-sharing couples who don't want to be disturbed by their partner's restless movements. However, we did find it trapped some heat, despite the breathable Tencel cover promising a cool sleep surface, so hot sleepers may want to avoid or upgrade to a heat-dissipating GlacioTex Cooling Cover.
Price-wise, the Dusk Luxe sits in the premium price tier, but there's usually a Helix mattress sale of between 20% to 25% off, which reduces the cost of a queen size to $1,899. You also get two free Dream pillows worth up to $150 with our purchase, plus free shipping and a 15-year warranty.
- Read more: Helix Dusk Luxe mattress review
The best latex mattress for stomach sleepers
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The Avocado Green Mattress is our highest-rated fully organic certified mattress, needle-tufted by hand and packed with GOLS-certified latex and GOTS-certified wool and cotton. Its durable Dunlop latex and sturdy steel coils offers firm support that's perfect for both front and back sleepers, while the naturally breathable materials wick away sweat and regulate in-bed temperature for those who sleep hot.
After a relatively short breaking in period, the Avocado Green Mattress was very comfy for back and stomach sleeping. Our lead tester for the Avocado Green Mattress rated it very highly for stomach sleeping comfort as the firmer feel keeps you on top of the mattress, preventing any painful dips in your spine.
Avocado Mattress rates this mattress as a 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale and we’d agree with that. Our pressure relief tests, conducted using a 55lb weight in the center of the mattress, measured a relatively small amount of sinkage. The motion transfer was excellent and scored a 4.5 out of 5 in our drop tests, making the Avocado Green Mattress a great choice for restless sleepers and fidgety couples who change sleep positions a lot.
In terms of extras, Avocado offers a year’s sleep trial and comes with a 25-year warranty. That’s a big indicator of the quality of this organic bed – but a lot of latex mattresses do come with lifetime warranties. Shipping is free, with mattresses being shipped within one to three business days, but Avocado Mattress charges a $99 return fee. Price-wise, even though it’s expensive on paper (a queen is frequently sold at $1,699), in the long-run it falls into the affordable category because we feel it will outlast cheaper boxed mattresses.
- Read more: Avocado Green mattress review
The best budget mattress for stomach sleepers
The Siena may be a cheap mattress but don't let its low cost deceive you. Mattresses in this price bracket typically consist of one or two layers of foam, but the Siena has a three-layer foam build that more closely resembles a mid-range model. This memory foam mattress has a 5.5-inch polyfoam stability layer, two inches of rippled transitional support foam, and 2.5 inches of gel-infused memory foam. At the bottom is a shift-resistant cover to help keep the mattress intact while you sleep.
Siena says its mattress is medium-firm (6.5 out of 10), but our testing panel unanimously found it much firmer and rated it a 9 out of 10. This pronounced firmness benefitted our stomach sleepers, who appreciated the support in their hips. On the other hand, several of our back and side sleepers found the mattress unyielding so combi sleepers may want to consider something more forgiving, like the DreamCloud at #3.
The Siena also does an excellent job of isolating movement so it's a great choice for couples. It exceeded our expectations when it came to temperature regulation, as well, thanks to its moisture-wicking cover and breathable foam layers. Yet for chronically hot sleepers, we still recommend a specialized cooling model like the Bear Elite Hybrid (#5) or the all-foam Cocoon Chill (Also tested.)
For dedicated stomach sleepers, it's hard to find a better value for money than the Siena. A permanent Siena mattress sale cuts the price of a queen to $399. That includes a 180-night trial, which is quite long for a budget mattress, and plenty of time to decide whether it's right for you.
- Read more: Siena Memory Foam mattress review
The best mattress for stomach-sleeping couples
The DreamCloud mattress is one of the most affordable luxury mattress on the market, has excellent motion isolation, and is suitable for all sleep positions - especially stomach sleepers. The 14-inch hybrid models boasts seven layers, including a mixture of contouring foams and supportive springs.
We found this mattress to deliver a luxurious feel at a mid-range price. While testing this luxe hybrid, we discovered it alleviated back and hip pain, was comfortable enough for all sleep positions, and our front sleepers praised the DreamCloud's pressure relief and the support it gives the hip region.
Its motion isolation is great for couples, and it also sleeps cool thanks to its breathable cashmere cover, gel-infused foam, and airflow-promoting springs. However, the edge support could be stronger and it may be too firm for some lightweight sleepers to get cosy.
While this is one of the most budget-friendly luxe mattress, it's even cheaper thanks to constant discounts. The value for money is boosted further by generous extras: 1-year sleep trial, lifetime warranty, and free shipping and returns.
- Read more: DreamCloud mattress review
The best cooling mattress for stomach sleepers
A tall, luxury cooling hybrid, the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress is one of the best cooing mattresses we’ve tested. The firmer feel and gentle contouring are also excellent for stomach sleepers.
This exceptional cooling is partly thanks to the Celliant-infused cover, which is available as an optional upgrade. Celliant fibers absorb body heat and transform it into energy waves, reflecting it back to you for faster recovery and cooler sleep.
Even without this enhanced cover, the Bear Elite Hybrid is a breathable mattress. The standard cover features PCM (Phase Change Material), while the memory foam is infused with copper — two features commonly used in cooling mattresses. Add on tall springs with ample air flow and you have a mattress that stays an even temperature all night long.
But we’re here to find the best mattresses for stomach sleepers, so it’s important that this cooler build is paired with a supportive sleep feel. In this area, the Bear Elite Hybrid also comes out on top. The tall coil base features a reinforced lumbar area to keep the hips aligned, while the quilted cover has comfortable contouring with little sink.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is available in three feels: Soft, Medium and Firm. We tested the Medium feel and found it comfortable for front sleeping, but if you have a heavier build, you may prefer the Firm option (or for a firmer mattress again, try the Plank Firm at #8.)
Without the Celliant cover, the Bear Elite Hybrid is a premium mattress. With the cover, it’s even more expensive. For a cheaper alternative, check out the Cocoon by Sealy Chill in the Also tested section. However, this is a high-quality mattress, and while you’re paying a lot, you’re also getting a lot for your money.
- Read more: Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress review
The best mattress for stomach sleepers with back pain
The Saatva RX is one of our top mattresses for back pain thanks to its balanced support and pressure relief, which mixes softness and sturdiness for comfortable front-sleeping. Its "supportive-plush" feel (i.e. medium-firm) is firm enough to keep the spine properly aligned and the body well supported.
In our Saatva RX review, we found this tall bed suitable for stomach sleeping, a lot of our testers found it to be much firmer than its plush rating, and we collectively rated it as a 7.5 to 8 / 10 on the firmness scale. However, it's harder feel delivers great back support; our lead tester suffers from chronic back pain and mild scoliosis and found that the RX greatly immediately reduced her back and joint pain.
We also found it slept cool thanks to its breathable materials such as gel-infused foam and organic cotton cover. However, we found this bed lack decent motion isolation, so if you share a bed with a restless sleeper, you may want to opt for something that limits motion transfer.
The Saatva RX is still a premium bed, but Saatva mattress sales are always available to help lessen the blow on your wallet. Also consider the extras you'll be getting along with this handcrafted luxury mattress: a full year's trial, a lifetime warranty, and free white glove delivery with in-room setup and optional existing mattress removal to save your back from further strain.
- Read more: Saatva Rx Mattress review
The best mattress for heavier stomach sleepers
The WinkBed Plus is a 13.5-inch hybrid mattress geared toward larger sleepers. It's made with high-density anti-sag foam, a 2.5-inch zoned latex support layer, and heavy-duty reinforced coils that are prevalent along the edges so freefall-style stomach sleepers won't have to worry about tumbling overboard. To ensure durability and consistency, WinkBeds enlists a third party to simulate 20 years of bed use by a 350lb sleeper.
We tested the original version of the WinkBed mattress in a luxury firm, which is softer and has a slightly different construction than the Plus model. Still, we were impressed with WinkBed's pressure relief and all-around support. Verified reviews for the WinkBed Plus reflect similar sentiments, particularly from users over 300lbs who claim their midsections didn't sink too low into the mattress. (That's one reason why the WinkBed Plus makes our list of the best mattresses for heavy people.)
Since it uses latex foam and reinforced coils, the WinkBed Plus costs more than the original WinkBed. The Plus sits in the premium pricing tier, but frequent WinkBed mattress sales ensure you won't pay the full ticket price. It may be a significant investment, but the WinkBed Plus is a valuable option for larger individuals seeking long-term comfort and support. It also comes with a lifetime warranty plus a 120-night trial period.
For people who don't require as robust support as the WinkBed Plus, the original WinkBed is available in three firmness options, including a firm model that's specifically designed for back and stomach sleeping.
- Read more: WinkBed mattress review
8. Best firm mattress for stomach sleepers
We often recommend a firmer feel from a mattress for stomach sleepers and they don’t come much firmer than the Plank Firm. This double-sided mattress features a core of incredibly dense memory foam to create exceptional support across the entire bed.
The Plank Firm has a slightly unusual design. In the center is the previously mentioned firm foam. This provides the majority of the support and dominates the feel of the mattress. On the Firm side, a layer of foam and a softer quilted top adds some cushioning. On the Extra Firm side, there’s nothing but a flat quilted top between you and the central foam, resulting in a feel we rated nine out of 10 for firmness..
This super firm feel results in some of the best edge support we’ve tried in a mattress. Sleeping on the side feels exactly the same as lying in the middle. The motion isolation is also exceptional, so if you and your partner both prefer a firm mattress, this is a good choice. We did find it could sleep slightly hot. If overheating is an issue for you, we recommend upgrading to the GlacioTex cover, or opting for the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress.
For a specialist (and fairly unique) bed, the Plank Firm Mattress is competitively priced, especially with the evergreen sale taking 25% off the MSRP. The Plank Firm Mattress won’t appeal to everyone, for a more all-round feel the Helix Dusk Luxe comes out on top, but this level of support is hard to find.
- Read more: Plank Firm Mattress review
Also tested
We've tested a lot of mattresses at Tom's Guide and we're always on the look out for the latest model to try. Below are the mattresses that didn't make it into the guide but are still worth considering if you're a stomach sleeper.
How we test mattresses
The Tom's Guide mattress review process is editorially independent and not influenced by third parties. We test mattresses in all key areas — pressure relief, comfort and support, temperature regulation, motion isolation and durability — to determine our product recommendations. If it's good enough, it goes in our best mattress guides.
Mattress comfort is subjective, so alongside our lead reviewer a testing team, consisting of people with different body types and sleep needs, try the mattress. To ensure we get a well rounded review, we test the mattress in a variety of different sleep positions.
It takes roughly three weeks to break in a mattress, so our lead reviewer spends this time period at minimum trying the bed. We also use objective weight tests to back up our subjective review. You can learn more about the testing process with our mattress methodology.
Mattresses for stomach sleepers: FAQs
When is the best time to buy a stomach sleeper mattress?
Traditionally, the best time to buy a mattress for stomach sleepers is the Black Friday mattress sales and the Cyber Monday mattress sales. But while we still spot some major savings at this time of year, others sales periods have proved to be fruitful, particularly the Memorial Day mattress sales.
Other major sales days to look out for include the Presidents' Day mattress sales in February and the Labor Day mattress sales in September. For more information on the best time to buy a mattress, visit our guide to the five biggest mattress sales.
When should you buy the best mattress for stomach sleepers?
Historically, the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales are the cheapest time to buy a new mattress. You'll find some incredible mattress bargains — but also some standard sales disguised as special Black Friday discounts. Black Friday can bring some rock-bottom prices and more generous freebies (such as pillows and bedding bundles), which can also lead to an increased demand that can cause shipping delays and back orders.
However, in recent year, other major sale events (Presidents' Day, Memorial Day etc.) have also brought discounts that match the price drops seen during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
When shopping for mattresses during a sale events, make sure to track each bed's price history. We always make sure to include a mattress's price history in our deal posts, buyer's guides, and our mattress sales hubs. Aside from our shopping advice, we reccomend using price-tracking tools such as Wayback Machine and Camel, Camel, Camel. Also, be sure to plan ahead and check shipping times to ensure that you'll get your mattress by your preferred date.
How to choose best mattress for stomach sleepers
If your mattress is too soft for your body, sleeping on your stomach can often make you sink into the bed and push your spine out of alignment. You will need to know how to choose a mattress that keeps your hips level with your shoulders, so choose a firmer mattress, such as an innerspring or hybrid with a supportive base.
Usually, it’s best to avoid memory foam mattresses, as their body-contouring, plush feel tends to be built for side sleepers. However, some all-foam mattresses can still be suitable for front sleepers (such as the #3 entry on the above list) as they offer a firmer-than-average feel. Look out for beds listed as Firm or Medium-Firm on the firmness scale, and remember that some mattresses offer different firmness levels (such as the #7 entry on the above list).
Need some additional guidance in your search for the best mattress for stomach sleepers? We reached out to a couple of medical experts for their input:
Peter Polos, MD, is an Assistant Professor of Sleep Medicine at Hackensack JFK University Medical Center, as well as a sleep medicine specialist with Sleep Number. He's board certified in pulmonary and sleep medicine with a PhD in microbiology and immunology.
Danielle Wall, MD, is an internal medicine physician from the University of Vermont and a sleep advisor for Sit 'n Sleep. Her travels around the world to Ghana, Malawi, Mexico, the Philippines, and Panama highlighted a glaring need for accessible healthcare, which cemented her desire to become a doctor.
Do stomach sleepers need a firm or soft mattress?
If you're a stomach sleeper, Dr. Wall and Dr. Polos both agree that you should look for a firm to medium-firm mattress to keep your spine and hips level to avoid the spine from arching, which can lead to pain and discomfort. Your upper body should be well-supported, too. Dr. Polos notes that a firmer bed will help reduce strain on the neck, back, and shoulders – and also prevent your chest from sinking, a common issue for stomach sleepers who sleep on softer beds.
Do the materials matter? Absolutely, as it can influence the overall comfort of your bed. "Memory foam mattresses frequently offer good contouring and pressure relief, whilst latex mattresses provide both support and bounce. Mattresses with innersprings or a hybrid structure that provide adequate firmness and support may also be acceptable for stomach sleepers," says Dr. Wall.
Remember that firmness is subjective, which is why top sleep brands include a mattress trial with purchase. Your body generally needs three to four weeks to settle into a new sleep surface – fortunately, the average trial period is 100 nights, and some brands offer up to a year.
Is sleeping on your stomach bad for you?
While you can sleep on your stomach if you find it comfortable, medical professionals generally discourage it. "Sleeping on one's stomach may put more pressure on the neck, chest, and internal organs, which could be painful and interfere with breathing," warns Dr. Wall. It can put more stress on your back and alter the natural curve of your spine, as well.
Even if it doesn't particularly bother you right now, sleeping on your stomach could lead to issues later in life. "As you age, you are more prone to medical issues and neck, back, and shoulder pain, and this position can lead to more complaints," says Dr. Polos.
Ultimately, you'll want to train yourself to sleep on your side or sleep on your back, as either position is better for your health. However, if you can't (or don't want to) break your stomach sleeping habit, you should have a mattress that'll sufficiently support this position.
- Read more: What happens to your body when you sleep on your stomach?
- Read more: 3 reasons why stomach sleeping is bad for you — and how to switch positions
Do stomach sleepers need a pillow?
Finding the right pillow to complement your mattress can make a huge difference in sleep quality, but do stomach sleepers need a pillow at all? It depends.
"Some stomach sleepers are more comfortable with a thin pillow to support their head and neck. Others may sleep better without a pillow, thereby further reducing the angle imposed on their neck," says Dr. Polos.
If you prefer to use a pillow while stomach sleeping, Dr. Wall says to make sure the loft is low enough to keep your head and neck neutral. Otherwise, it could cause your neck to extend too far and cause pain.
An adjustable pillow will allow you to make your pillow as high or low as you need it to sleep comfortably. Take a look at our guide to the best pillows for some inspiration. If you're ready to shop for the best mattresses for stomach sleepers, browse today's deals below:
