Stomach Sleeper: The Habitthat May Be Hurting You
Are you a stomach sleeper? If so, you make up part of the 16% of adult sleepers who prefer to sleep on their stomachs. While you may not make up the majority of snoozers , stomach sleepers have their own unique way of dozing off. Sleeping on your stomach is known as the prone position. Its a body position where a person lies flat on their chest. It represents those that lay face down with their whole body touching their mattress. While belly-flopping onto your mattress is good for those that snore, its considered one of the most unhealthy sleeping positions. Read on to learn more about the pros and cons, the correct way to sleep on your stomach, and what to do if you want to switch up your sleep position.
Whether youre a stomach sleeper, back sleeper, or someone who likes to snooze in the fetal position, at Casper we have a mattress for you.
Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress
The Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress offers the kind of comfort and support that will help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, so you can wake up feeling refreshed and ready to face the day.
The mattress is made of 5-lb memory foam and high-density foam layers. The combination of these two layers provides a deep contour to your body while still providing stable support. The Saatva mattress uses a gel-infused foam that is used to provide further cooling and pressure relief. The mattress is CertiPUR-US® certified and is made of organic cotton to provide a healthier sleep environment.
What I Like:
- The Saatva Loom & Leaf mattress is a luxury mattress described as a balance between firm and soft.
- The mattress is designed to relieve pressure points and eliminate the risk of tossing and turning during the night.
- The Saatva Loom & Leaf is a popular choice for stomach sleepers.
Best Affordable Mattress For Stomach Sleepers
- Mattress type: hybrid
- Trial period: 100-night sleep trial
This babys got your bodys back. It was specially designed for the slumber of your stomach-sleeping dreams. The mattress is made using Helixs special foam that is supposed to feel a lot like latex foam , which means it should feel more supportive and responsive than memory foam.
Its also a hybrid mattress, so it has a coil base to keep your body supported from head to toe. The hybrid design also help keep the mattress cool.
Its also affordable just over $1,000 for the queen size. The best part? Reviewers agree the firm feel is perfect for sleeping on your tummy.
Recommended Reading: How Can I Lose Stomach Weight
Which Is The Best Type Of Mattress For Stomach Sleepers
A foam mattress is going to be the most adaptable for all body types and sleepers. Foam mattresses also offer other benefits that other mattresses dont:
1. Pressure point relief: memory foam adjusts to your body to relieve pressure, so its great for all body types and sleepers. Its especially good for stomach sleep.
2. Support: a foam mattress will support your body evenly, even when youre sleeping on your stomach. Foam allows your spine to remain aligned as you sleep.
3. Pain prevention: Memory foam is great for pain relief, especially pain in your back, hips and shoulders. Less pain means better sleep.
4. Low motion transfer: A foam mattress is going to give you the least amount of motion transfer, which is especially great if you or pet. In fact, the Leesa mattress passes the red wine testyou can jump, dive, or roll into bed without spilling a glass of wine placed on the mattress.
The Right Pillows For Stomach
More than almost any other type of sleeper, those who sleep primarily on their stomachs have the most to gain from effective pillow use. As Dr. Poorbaugh points out, its not just about focusing on the pillow that goes under your head , but getting creative with the ones you use along the rest of your body.
To mitigate the risk of stomach-sleeping for articular pain in the shoulder or spine, the best option is to utilize proper pillow support, he says. Pillows should be placed under the pelvis and shoulders to maintain neutral spine postures and avoid impingement of the shoulder.
Research from the Mayo Clinic supports this idea, indicating that the only sure way to ensure proper support for stomach sleepers is to nestle a flat pillow directly under the pelvis. The goal is to manufacture a lift, creating a neutral position for sound sleeping.
Not exactly sure what kind of pillow to go with? Ourbedding expert Sarah breaks it down like this:
- The goal is to find a pillow with a lower loft and an overall softer firmness level.
- Stay on the lookout for soft, short, and compressible pillows that wont exert too much control over your posture.
Learn more by checking out her round-up of the absolutebest pillows for stomach sleepers.
Recommended Reading: Can Diabetes Cause Stomach Bloating
Share Post On Pinterest
Anyone who sleeps on their stomach has probably heard the warnings about back painor experienced some aches and soreness firsthand. While sleeping prone can help reduce snoring, stomach sleeping is less than ideal for spinal health.
That’s because we carry the bulk of our weight across the hips and belly, so sleeping on one’s stomach “affects the curvature of the spine and makes it hard for it to stay in a neutral position,” explains Michael Breus, PhD, a Los Angeles sleep specialist and author of Good Night: The Sleep Doctor’s 4-week Program to Better Sleep and Better Health. The result of that misalignment: chronic back and neck pain, especially since you likely sleep with your head turned to one side. We’re often asked what type of mattress is best for stomach sleepers. Below is everything stomach sleepers need to know to choose the top mattresses and beds for them.
Fact About Stomach Sleepers & Other Sleeping Positions
Sleeping on your stomach is the most common way to throw your spine out of alignment. A combination sleeper’s best option is to opt for a mattress that suits most of their needs.
Most people sleep in other sleeping positions other than on their stomach, and while some people may find it more comfortable, it does increase the risk of waking up achy. Less than 10% of people do sleep on their stomachs. Although stomach sleeping can cause aches and pains in some people, it can also help ease conditions such as acid reflux. While neck strain can also be a significant issue, stomach sleeping can slow down the development of facial wrinkles that other sleeping positions cause. Another benefit that few people realize about stomach sleeping is that it can minimize or eliminate snoring issues.
Read Also: How To Relieve Stomach Ache
Best Pillow For Stomach Sleepers
As we mentioned above, if youre a stomach sleeper, you should sleep on a thin pillow or no pillow at all. However, many sleepers find comfort in a fluffy pillow. If youre someone who cant let go of their favorite pillow, try looking for one with a little less fluff. You want a pillow that supports your neck so that it is aligned with your back when you sleep. The Original Casper Pillow is soft and supportive, so you dont have to compromise your comfort.
Q: How Can Stomach Sleepers Reduce Back Pain
A: Researchers have found that sleeping prone places a great deal of pressure on the spine, increasing the risk of back pain. So what’s a stomach sleeper to do? The answer: pillows. The Mayo Clinic recommends placing a pillow under your lower abdomen and hips to maintain the natural “S” curve of the spine. You can also use a thinner pillow under your head to reduce strain on your neck and upper spine.
You May Like: How To Flatten Stomach Naturally
Helix Dawn Best For Pressure Relief
Stomach sleepers have to deal the most with their shoulders and hips bearing a lot of weight, and if improperly supported, you tend to wake up feeling a lot of aches and pains. Helix is unique in that it matches sleepers up with a mattress based on their sleep position and overall needs. The Dawn is their mattress that tailors to stomach and back sleepers thanks to its firm feel, and combination of foam layers with coils. It offers solid pressure relief, so you wont have to worry about your body digging into the mattress as opposed to getting cozy.
- Mattress type: Memory Foam and Coils
- Customer Rating: 4.5/5
Helix Dawn, $999 for a Queen, helixsleep.com
Why We Chose This Mattress For Stomach Sleepers
- It has a dense foam feel and a medium firmness profile.
- Its among the top three most popular memory foam beds online because of its quality and price.
- It comes with a 365-night risk-free trial and a Forever warranty.
Nectar is our pick for the best memory foam mattress for stomach sleepers because of its dense foam feel and medium firmness profile.
WinkBed is one of the most premium innerspring mattresses weve ever seen, and as we always say, we wouldnt be surprised to see this mattress in a luxury 5-star hotel. Because WinkBed is a luxury mattress, it is accompanied by a premium price tag. It starts around $1,050 for a twin and about $1,600 for a queen.
Also Check: What Could Be Causing My Stomach Pain
Why Stomach Sleeping Can Be Bad For Health
As weve already mentioned, stomach sleeping can lead to misalignment of the spine, resulting in back and neck pain. But thats not all. It may also perpetuate the discomfort of acid reflux and put pressure on certain organs. It can even cause wrinkles due to the friction that occurs between your skin and the pillowcase while you sleep. The bottom line: If possible, try sleeping on your back or side instead.
We’ve got more great mattress tips for choosing the best mattress for side sleepers and the best mattress for back sleepers too.
The Stomach Sleeper Difference Scroll To Top 10
Sleeping on your stomach is one of the three common sleeping positions. If you are a stomach sleeper, you know too well how pesky a mattress that pulls you down into it can be for your back and neck. Stomach sleepers, akin to back or side sleepers, need to make sure that their spine is aligned throughout their sleep cycle. However, this is sometimes easier said than done, and lower back pain is a common issue for stomach sleepers on sagging beds.
If this sounds like you, don’t despair! There are plenty of great mattresses for stomach sleepers, but first we need to understand what firmness works to align your spine and provide a good night sleep.
You May Like: What Exercises Tone Your Stomach
Firmness & Type Of Mattress
When browsing for a mattress for stomach sleepers, firmness should be the key thing you look at.The firmness level helps determine how much you alleviate aches and pains while you sleep. Much of your choice in firmness comes down to comfort. Firmness is generally associated with innerspring mattresses, but some memory foam beds can be firm too. If youre a stomach sleeper, things can be a little more complicated. Stomach sleepers do tend to be more comfortable on a firmer mattress, but it might not always be the best choice for your body or your back. Even the best innerspring mattress can still cause neck and back pain.For people that fall on the lighter end of the scale, a good option is to look for a soft mattress made of quality materials. If youre about average, look for a mattress that follows suit, and choose a medium-firm model. If youre taller, or heavier, a firmer mattress is the best choice.
Leesa Hybrid Best Mattress For Stomach Sleepers With Back Pain
The Leesa Hybrid offers stomach sleeping individuals with back pain multiple comfort layers alongside a high-quality support system the reviewers over at Mattress Nerd agreed too, its a great fit for people with back pain.. The mattress delivers high levels of contouring using special foam technology, meaning this mattress will respond effortlessly as you move throughout the night. The Leesa Hybrid earned a perfect 10 out of 10 in spinal alignment, meaning this bed will help your back stay perfectly supported and comfortable.
- Mattress type: Hybrid: Foam and Pocket Coils
- Customer Rating: 4.5/5
Recommended Reading: What Makes Stomach Pain Go Away
The Best Mattress For Stomach Sleepers
We are owned and operated by GoodMorning.com. We hire 3rd-party engineers and use public data to rate mattresses on over 25 criteria we believe important. Brands we ownApollo, Cherry, Brunswick, Douglas, Full Moon by GoodMorning.com, Juno, Logan & Cove, Novosbed, Podium, and Recoreare reviewed and advertised where indicated. Views expressed here are our opinions only. Full details.
Most experts agree that sleeping on your stomach is not recommended. In the prone position, as its known, the natural curvature of the spine is flattened or contorted. Both are a recipe for morning discomfort. And because your body is tilted slightly to the side to accommodate breathing, muscles all along your back are stretched for extended periods, putting you at risk of developing back, neck, and hip issues.
All this being said, many still prefer sleeping in this position. Sometimes its the only position that feels comfortable when you have pain or other sensitivities. Sleep habits are hard to break. As such, we knew we had to uncover the top mattresses available to stomach sleepers to ensure the most beneficial nights rest possible.
So without further ado, here are our 3 Favourite Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers.
What Makes The Dreamcloud Premier Stand Out
- The pillow-top makes this a bed that you can lay on instead of sinking in.
- The individually-wrapped coils and soft memory foam layers work together to make a comfortable, supportive, and responsive sleep surface.
- The DreamCloud Premier includes temperature-regulating materials and a cashmere-blend cover to keep you cool while you sleep.
The support of a mattress can really depend on someones weight. So, while a mattress could be a good fit for an average-weight sleeper, it might not be supportive enough for someone heavier. If youre a heavier person who sleeps on your stomach, you shouldnt worry, because the WinkBeds Plus should be right for you, as its actually made with larger people in mind.
Also Check: What Food Can I Eat With An Upset Stomach
Iv Ghostbeds Mattress Pick For Stomach Sleepers
So, which GhostBed mattress is best for stomach sleepers? All 4 options are in the ideal range of firmness, with the top 2 firmest choices being the original GhostBed and the GhostBed Flex.
The GhostBeds layers of springy latex and gel memory foam offer cooling comfort, while the GhostBed Flex features individually-wrapped coils topped with gel memory foam and our exclusive GhostBounce layer. Both have a high-density base layer that provides ideal support, durability and longevity. Not too soft but not too firm, GhostBed will keep your pressure points happy while keeping your spine aligned.
Compare them below and check out some of our helpful reviews:
What Materials And Other Features Are Best For Mattresses For Stomach Sleepers
Dr. Baxi says all standard types of mattresses can provide the kind of relief that stomach sleepers need. Which one you choose is a matter of personal preference. Memory foam mattresses are great if youre also concerned about motion transfer, but you may find more support from innerspring mattresses and ones constructed with pocketed coils .
Dr. Baxi also recommends avoiding mattresses that are too thin, as this can make them less supportive. I recommend using a mattress thats at least 10 inches or thicker for stomach sleepers, he explains. Conversely, the best pillows for stomach sleepers are low and thinagain, to encourage alignment and reduce the pressure on your neck, shoulders, and back.
So with these general criteria in mind, weve selected some of the best, most well-reviewed mattresses that stomach sleepers can try right now . Read on to find the right mattress for you and your favorite sleeping position.
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Read Also: How To Relieve An Anxious Stomach
Guide: Best Tips & Mattress For Stomach Sleepers
Are you a stomach sleeper? Only 7% of people sleep on their bellies, so youre a rare breed.
Whether you fall asleep on your stomach and stay like that, or youre more of a combo sleeper, finding the most comfortable position is the key to a great night of sleep. Your mattress and pillow can definitely contribute, as well.
Stomach sleepers in particular need to find the right mattress to keep them comfortable, as well as help them avoid some common aches and pains that come with the territory.
Keep reading as we explore mattress types and tips for sleeping soundly on your stomach.
Overview: Best Mattress Type for Stomach Sleepers
Our pick for the best mattress for stomach sleepers is a firm mattress with a good amount of support and pressure relief. If you like memory foam, a foam-latex mattress will offer a more supportive feel. If you prefer coils, look for a hybrid mattress that offers the best of both worlds.
Choosing The Right Mattress For Stomach Sleeping
Stomach sleepers often go to bed every single night in what seems to be one of the worst sleep positions for your body. With this in mind, you should know that the proper mattress, as well as a comfortable pillow, could make a tremendous difference to seriously overcome the overall negative effects that stomach sleeping can cause on your body.
Proper back support, a feel which is medium to slightly firmer, and taking advantage of the most appropriate and comfortable pillow, are essential if you want to get a proper rest while sleeping on your belly.
Adequate support might as well be the number one priority that you ought to be looking out for when picking up a bed. This is because your mid-section carries a significant amount of pressure as well as weight throughout the entire day. When you are sleeping on your stomach through the night, the pressure can go on building up in the torso.
Interested in learning more? Check out why Sleeping On Stomach is Bad.
This could lead to restless sleep during the night and also to serious back pain. Proper support plays a huge role in preventing this from happening. This being said, you can take a look at different foam mattresses as they are known to provide firm and consistent support.
This is thanks to the numerous layers of pressure relieving and responsive foam that conforms to the natural curves of the body, and there are certainly some innerspring options out there as well.
Also Check: What Do Do When Your Stomach Hurts