Last Updated: January 2018
If you are a stomach sleeper, you know how comfortable it can be. There is just something so soothing about lying on your stomach and cuddling up for the night; however, despite how calming sleeping on the stomach can be, there are also certain hazards that are associated with this sleeping position that are important to be aware of so that you can avoid irritating health issues and chronic pain.
When you lie on your stomach, the entire weight of your body is applied to your lower back, which can to several issues, including pinched nerves, which can lead to pain in the shoulders and neck, as well as the legs and the buttocks. If you are not properly supported, the constant pressure of your body weight of your body on your lower back can eventually lead to tingling and numbness. Other issues that can also be associated with sleeping on the stomach can include indigestion and heartburn.
If you enjoy sleeping on your stomach but don’t want to endure these issues, you will be relieved to know that you don’t have to adjust your sleeping position; instead, all you need to do is have the proper support from a pillow that is specifically designed for stomach sleepers. With the right pillow, your body weight can be properly supported and evenly distributed so that your lower back doesn’t bear the bulk of the strain. With the right support, you can avoid pain, muscle cramps and spasms, and even nerve damage. Pressure on the digestive system can also be avoided.
So, what are the best pillows for stomach sleepers? We have scoured the market, conducted extensive research and have tested out the dozens of pillows available for those who sleep in this popular position. Our findings have led us to determine that the five pillows presented in this buyer’s guide are the best for stomach sleepers.
Pillows for Stomach Sleepers: Top Brands
*5 Star Rating: this is based on the percentage of consumers who rate the pillows 10/10.
The Pancake Pillow Adjustable Layer Pillow
The Pancake Pillow Adjustable Layer Pillow is specifically designed to provide stomach sleepers with the ultimate in support and comfort so that they can get the most restful night of sleep possible. What truly makes this pillow unique is that its inner chamber – the part of the pillow that provides the support – is made of six separate microfiber sections that can either be added to or removed from on an as-needed basis in order to achieve the ideal position for stomach sleepers. As a result of this design, you don’t have to worry about the pillow being too high or too low – an issue that often plagues stomach sleepers – which allows you to avoid the pain and other issues that are associated with sleeping on the stomach.
To get the perfect fit for you, all you have to do is select the number of interior pillow layers that best suits your needs and stack them on top of one another. Didn’t get the right height? No problem! Simply add or remove layers until you do achieve the ideal height.
To add to the comfort and support that the unique design that the Pancake Pillow offers, it is constructed out of the highest quality materials, including:
- A 300 thread count cotton exterior case, which is soft, breathable and completely removable and machine washable.
- Microfiber, super soft down alternative interior fill, which is completely hypo-allergenic and allows the pillow to breathe, retain less heat and remain a cool and comfortable temperature throughout the night.
Other notable features of the Pancake Pillow include a three-sided zipper closure that allows for easy opening and closure so that you can adjust your layers without an issue and a storage bag that you can use to accommodate any interior layers that you aren’t using.
Our Score
Below is our final score of the Casper mattress based on multiple criteria that we use when testing all of our mattresses.
DC Labs Ultra Slim Sleeper Memory Foam Pillow
The key to avoiding pain and discomfort while sleeping on your stomach is to use a pillow that offers a low profile; if the pillow has a high profile, it can thrust the neck back, which throws the spine out of proper alignment. When this happens, pain, discomfort, and other issues develop.
The Ultra Slim Sleeper Memory Foam Pillow from DC Labs is specifically designed to offer a low profile. As a result, your neck won’t be thrust backward and your neck won’t be thrown out of alignment. This means that you can avoid some of the biggest issues that are associated with sleeping on the stomach, such as pinched nerves, muscles spasms, lower back pain and even digestive health issues.
The key features of the DC Labs Ultra Slim Memory Foam Pillow include:
- A 2.5-inch profile, which is extremely thin compared to the majority of pillows on the market.
- Memory foam construction, which cradles your head and allows you to avoid having your spine thrown out of alignment.
- Hypoallergenic, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial and bed bug resistant, so the pillow stays fresh and won’t expose you to irritants that can disrupt your sleep.
- An easy to remove cotton exterior casing that is machine washable and dryable, allowing you to keep your pillow fresh.
The ultra-thin profile of this pillow just slightly raises your head above the surface of your mattress and is ideal if you enjoy sleeping with your arm under your head.
Our Score
Below is our final score of the Casper mattress based on multiple criteria that we use when testing all of our mattresses.
DC Labs Slim Sleeper Natural Latex Foam Low Profile Pillow
Another excellent option for stomach sleepers is the Slim Sleeper Natural Latex Foam Low Profile Pillow from DC Labs. The low profile design of just 2.75 inches is ideal for stomach sleepers, as it prevents your head from forcing your neck backward, which thereby avoids pressure buildup on your lower back, neck, and shoulders. It also helps to prevent cramps, spasms, and other issues that are often associated with sleeping on the stomach.
Medium in firmness, this pillow isn’t too hard, yet it isn’t too flimsy, which means that you won’t feel like you are sleeping on a rock, and you also won’t feel as if you are sleeping on a flimsy surface. Some of the other key features of the Slim Sleeper Natural Latex Foam Low Profile Pillow from DC Labs that we were impressed with, and that we think you will enjoy, too, include:
- Memory foam construction, which means that the pillow will properly cradle your head so that you can enjoy even more support, less pain and a more restful night of sleep.
- Completely hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial, mildew resistant, fungus resistant and dust mite resistant, which means that you will enjoy a cleaner, fresher surface to sleep on won’t have to worry about irritants, which is particularly helpful if you are prone to allergies.
Like the Ultra Slim option from DC Labs, the Slim Sleeper pillow from DC Labs is ideal for stomach sleepers, as it just barely lifts your head above the surface of the mattress. It is also an ideal choice for those who like to sleep with their arm cradled under their head.
Our Score
Below is our final score of the Casper mattress based on multiple criteria that we use when testing all of our mattresses.
eLuxury Supply Extra Soft Down Filled Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
If you enjoy the plush feeling of a down pillow, but you are looking for the added support that is needed to avoid pain and other issues that can occur when sleeping on your stomach, than you will really enjoy the Extra Soft down Filled Pillow by eLuxury Supply.
eLuxury Supply wanted to design a down pillow specifically for stomach sleepers, and they came up with this exceptional model. The 230 thread count Cambric Woven 100 percent cotton casing is not only durable, but it is also extremely soft and breathable. The materials used in the construction of the casing house the super soft, luxurious filling, which is comprised of a blend of 80 percent down and 20 percent feathers. Prior to stuffing the pillow, the filling is completely cleaned sanitized, making the pillow hypo-allergenic, which avoids any allergic reaction, which you will find particularly appealing if you suffer from allergies. Additionally, all of the feathers that are used in this pillow are collected in a humane manner; they are never plucked.
Though the Extra Soft Down Pillow from eLuxury Supply appears thick and may appear to be too high for stomach sleepers, it is actually quite pliable. In other words, you can adjust the pillow so that is properly positioned to your head, which means you won’t have to worry about your spine being thrown out of alignment. This helps to avoid too much pressure being placed on your lower back, aches in the back, neck and shoulders, as well as muscle spasms and pinched nerves. Because this pillow is so pliable and it is easy to adjust, it makes it an ideal choice for stomach sleepers who enjoy a down pillow.
The combination of the down and the cotton cover make this pillow very breathable and allow it to remain cool and comfortable throughout the night. We were also really impressed because this pillow is 100 percent machine washable and dryable, which makes care and maintenance a breeze.
Our Score
Below is our final score of the Casper mattress based on multiple criteria that we use when testing all of our mattresses.
Sleep Innovations Classic Memory Foam Pillow
Another pillow that is a great pick for stomach sleepers is the Classic Memory Foam Pillow from Sleep Innovations. This pillow is engineered with the highest quality materials and designed so that it will cradle your head and give you the comfort and support that you need to keep your spine in proper alignment and avoid aches and pains while you are sleeping on your stomach.
The interior of the pillow is made of premium memory foam, which is encased in a soft, durable and breathable polyester cover, and it is medium in firmness. The memory foam naturally adapts to your head, your neck and your shoulders. This means that your muscles will completely relax and you won’t have to worry about any tension and pressure that develops when sleeping on the stomach. The pillow will never lose its shape and will never go flat, so you don’t have to worry that it will feel flat or fluffing it up while you are sleeping.
The polyester cover is removable and can be machine washed and dried, which makes keeping your pillow fresh and clean a breeze. Backed by a five year limited warranty, if there are any issues with your pillow that are the result of a defect in manufacturing within five years of the date of purchase, you can have it replaced.
Our Score
Below is our final score of the Casper mattress based on multiple criteria that we use when testing all of our mattresses.
Pillows for Stomach Sleepers: Factors to Consider
There are a few factors that you are going to want to take into consideration when you are shopping for a pillow for a stomach sleeper. By considering these factors, you will be able to choose the best option to meet your specific needs.
The Thickness
The thickness of the pillow is an important consideration. It has a direct impact on the comfort and support that the pillow will offer. Stomach sleepers don’t want a pillow that is too thick, as it will push the neck backwards toward the spine. This compresses pressure onto the lower back and leads to buildup of pressure in key areas, including the neck and the shoulders, as well as the back. A thin pillow is the best choice for a stomach sleeper.
The Firmness
Stomach sleepers want a pillow that is medium in firmness. If the pillow is too firm, it will lead to pressure build-up, which will eventually cause discomfort. If the pillow is too flimsy, it will deflate quickly and will need to be fluffed up on a regular basis, thus not providing you with the support that is needed in order to avoid the issues that are associated with sleeping on the stomach.
Conclusion
If you are a stomach sleeper who wants to get the most restful night of sleep, not just any pillow will do; you want to take the time to select a pillow that is thin and medium in firmness to avoid the aches and pains that are associated with stomach sleeping.