Best Pillows for Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleeping is the least common sleep position. For this reason, pillows are usually constructed with side and back sleepers in mind. A pillow’s firmness and loft affect the angle of your head and neck, as well as your spinal alignment. Stomach sleeping can lead to neck, shoulder, and back pain if the head and neck are elevated too much, so people who favor this position usually prefer thinner pillows compared to side and back sleepers.

Our sleep experts evaluated a wide range of pillows to determine the best options for stomach sleepers. We’ve chosen the pillows below based on feedback from our product testers who primarily sleep on their stomachs, as well as combination sleepers who sometimes use the stomach position. This ensures each top pick is an appealing option for stomach sleepers, whether because of a low profile, adjustable loft, or enhanced head and neck support. Our evaluation process consists of multiple testing stages, during which we judge each pillow for qualities like moldability, shape retention, temperature control, and overall support.

Best Pillow for Stomach Sleepers Video

Watch the video below to get some hands-on tips for choosing a perfect pillow for stomach sleepers.

You can learn more about our picks by reading the detailed product profiles below. We’ve awarded each pillow a unique accolade based on qualities or features that distinguish it from the competition. For more information about shopping for pillows that are comfortable for stomach sleeping, be sure to scroll further down and check out our buyer’s guide. We’ll cover pillow qualities that benefit stomach sleepers the most, different types of pillows and how much they cost, and what to look for in a pillow if you primarily or occasionally sleep in the stomach position.

Product Details

With a medium soft feel and options to customize the pillow’s loft, our test team found the Saatva Latex Pillow ideal for ensuring healthy sleep posture for stomach sleepers. It has a unique three-layer construction, which includes a cotton cover, an outer layer, and a shredded latex core.

How It Performed

The outer layer gave the pillow a lofty feel, while the latex core excelled at pressure relief in our test lab. You can also remove the core for a lower loft, which was what the stomach sleepers on our team preferred. Latex is naturally breathable and helps increase airflow throughout the pillow, so this pillow earned very high ratings for temperature neutrality. The cotton cover also wicks away moisture and promotes breathability.

What It’s Made of

The outer layer is composed of a down alternative microdenier fill, and inside is a shredded latex core. The cotton in the cover is 100% organic and has a smooth sateen weave. Both the cotton cover and outer layer are machine washable. The Saatva Latex Pillow is a luxury option with a price-point to match, but the price is reflected in the durable cotton and latex construction. You can purchase the pillow in a queen or king size.

Saatva offers free shipping and a 45-day return policy. The pillow also comes with a 1-year warranty.

Read our Full Saatva Latex Pillow Review to learn more

Many pillows made with natural materials tend to hold a higher price-point. Value seekers who prioritize natural bedding should look no further than the Sijo FluffBase Eucalyptus Pillow, which is made entirely from eucalyptus-derived materials. 

The pillow is filled with Tencel lyocell fibers that mimic the plush and lofty feel traditionally associated with down without the potential allergens or animal products. Eucalyptus-derived materials are naturally breathable, and our testing found the fill retained minimal heat. A Tencel sateen cover encases the pillow, resulting in a smooth feel and moisture-wicking properties. Hot sleepers and people living in warm or humid climates should find the pillow keeps them cool and dry throughout the night. 

A medium loft and medium soft feel make the pillow an excellent choice for stomach sleepers, who should find enough sinkage to prevent their heads from cranking at an uncomfortable angle. Some back sleepers on our team also enjoyed the mid-range feel, but our side sleepers felt they needed more support. Our testing also found the pillow’s fibrous fill made it quite moldable, which should appeal to people who prefer snuggling their pillow at night. Unlike many other moldable pillows, the FluffBase Eucalyptus Pillow doesn’t require much fluffing to return to its original shape. 

Standard and king sizes are available. The entire pillow is machine-washable, but Sijo recommends separating the cover and the inner pillow before laundering. The company ships the pillow for a flat-rate delivery fee to the contiguous U.S. Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery.

The FluffCo Down & Feather Pillow combines premium materials with a thoughtful design. You can pick between two firmness and density options, but if you sleep on your stomach, you’ll want the Soft Fluff model’s lower profile and plush feel.

How It Performed

The stomach sleepers on our team found the dual-chambered design offered a plush surface and moderately supportive core. This allowed them to settle comfortably and minimize neck strain while lying face-down. A smooth cotton shell encases the fill, adding to the luxurious softness. Double-stitched seams and perimeter cording help prevent rips and tears, so we don’t expect leaking fill to be an issue.

What It’s Made of

The pillow’s outer chamber contains pure down, while the core is composed of feathers that offer you more support. We recommend this pillow if you enjoy the feel of down but are concerned about animal welfare. The down and feather fill holds certification with the Responsible Down Standard, indicating ethical and humane animal treatment. Standard and king sizes are available. FluffCo does not recommend machine washing the pillow, as this can cause structural damage. Spot clean stains and smudges.

The Down & Feather Pillow’s sticker price might appear steep at first glance, but FluffCo frequently offers discounts that significantly reduce the upfront cost. If you need to purchase multiple pillows, bundling your purchase can also save you up to 20% on your order, and each pillow comes with a free protector. Returns are permitted within 30 days.

The Cozy Earth Silk Pillow offers a luxurious design for stomach sleepers who prefer exceptionally soft surfaces. The quality materials are meant to last longer than many competing pillows.

How It Performed

The pillow features a low profile that our stomach-sleeping testers found comfortable. The fluffy feel is especially ideal for stomach sleepers who don’t want to elevate their head at an uncomfortable angle. The silk doesn’t shift or clump, earning it high ratings in our shape retention tests and ensuring the pillow’s overall longevity. You can purchase in a standard or king size.

What It’s Made of

The fill is composed of mulberry silk, which our testers found extremely plush and durable. Silk also retains minimal body heat, and the shell is made of moisture-wicking viscose from bamboo, so it’s ideal if you sleep hot or reside in warm or humid climates. You may machine wash the pillow, though you should dry it on a delicate cycle and avoid spinning. Alternatively, you can dry-clean or spot-clean the pillow.

Cozy Earth offers free shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. In addition to the warranty, which covers the pillow for 10 years, you’ll receive a trial period that spans 100 nights.

Comfortable pillows can be elusive for stomach sleepers, but our test team found the Luxome LAYR Customizable Pillow’s unique design allowed even stomach sleepers to achieve a perfect loft and feel.

How It Performed

With three inserts to pick from, you can select the insert or combination of inserts that feels most comfortable. Since stomach sleepers need low-loft pillows to keep the head from excessive elevation, our testers found the thinner and plusher inserts were most comfortable for this sleep position. That said, you can experiment with inserts until you find the combination that feels most conducive to healthy sleep posture.

What It’s Made of

The pillow is designed with three separate inserts, each with its own feel and firmness. The soft insert contains a plush down alternative fill. The medium insert is filled with 75% shredded memory foam and 25% down alternative, which gives you an optimal balance of contouring and support. The firm insert is filled with solid memory foam. The foam pieces come in a 1-inch and 2-inch profile, and you can choose to use one or both in your pillow. The cover is composed of viscose derived from bamboo, which is known for its cooling properties. This helps create a cooler surface if you tend to overheat.

You can choose between a standard/queen or king size. Luxome offers free shipping to addresses in the contiguous U.S., and you’ll receive a 30-night sleep trial with free return shipping.

Pillows made with enhanced cooling technology often come at a higher price-point, but the Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow – Low Profile is a notable exception. This affordable model has a breathable design that kept us cool throughout testing..

How It Performed

A breathable cover and open-cell composition encourage air flow while offering the pressure relief many of our testers love about memory foam. The pillow interior adapted to our heads and necks to relieve pressure, but the solid foam design and medium feel still felt supportive and helped the pillow keep its shape. Our stomach-sleeping testers enjoyed the plush feel and 4.5-inch profile, which kept their bodies on an even plane.

What It’s Made of

A knit cover with a cooling gel coating encases the pillow. The cover is fully removable and washable in household machines for easy care. The solid memory foam interior features copper meant to absorb and dissipate excess body heat. Meanwhile, the open-cell composition facilitates airflow. 

Queen and king sizes are available, and both carry competitive price-points. Brooklyn Bedding ships free to the contiguous U.S., and pillow purchases come with a 30-night sleep trial. The Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow is backed by a 3-year warranty that covers structural defects.

The Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow is an affordable option filled with a down alternative fiber that mimics the plush feel of down. This soft, fluffy design makes the pillow an excellent choice for stomach sleepers who seek pressure relief for the head and neck.

How It Performed

We found the pillow’s mid-range firmness created a balanced feel that was both pressure-relieving and supportive for most sleepers on our team, including stomach sleepers. Our testers report that the pillow contoured closely to the head and neck, which greatly alleviates persistent pressure points during sleep. Hot sleepers should also appreciate that the plant-based fibers retain less heat than traditional down.

What It’s Made of

The Sweet Zzz uses plant-based down alternative fibers to create a fluffy, squishy feel similar to down without the potential allergens or animal products. The pillow shell is made from soft cotton, which is naturally breathable to keep you cool. The pillow is fully machine washable, provided your household appliances are large enough to accommodate it. Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle, and tumble dry on the lowest setting.

You can choose between queen and king-size pillows. Sweet Zzz ships free to the contiguous U.S., and it offers a 50-night sleep trial. Plant-Based Pillow purchases are backed by 1-year warranties.

If you tend to experience stiffness or soreness from sleeping on your stomach, the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow can help alleviate some discomfort. The pillow’s soft feel and close contouring are perfect for stomach sleepers who enjoy a bit of loft but don’t want to elevate their head too high.

How It Performed

Measuring 5 inches thick, the TEMPUR-Cloud is thicker than other pillows on this list. However, we found the foam cradles the head and neck deeply enough to offset some of the loft. That said, the pillow felt most comfortable for stomach sleepers who enjoy a bit of extra loft while they sleep. Thanks to the soft and moldable design, you can easily compress the pillow and bring it on the road when you travel.

What It’s Made of

The core contains TEMPUR memory foam, a proprietary material that offers close, even contouring without excessive sinkage. The foam’s dense composition also ensures a longer-than-average lifespan for your pillow. A cover made of knit polyester encases the foam. This material is soft, breathable, and machine-washable.

If you’re shopping with a limited budget, the reasonable price-point and free shipping within the contiguous U.S. make this pillow approachable, considering its quality. Although Tempur-Pedic does not permit returns, your pillow is backed by a 5-year warranty against material and structural defects.

Adjustable pillows are an ideal solution for stomach sleepers who have trouble finding a low-profile pillow. The Silk & Snow Pillow gives you all the benefits of loft adjustability at an affordable price-point compared to other adjustable pillows we’ve tested.

How It Performed

Stomach sleepers on our test team gave this pillow high marks, thanks to the adjustable loft. Many of the pillows we’ve tested are designed with a fixed loft aimed at back and stomach sleepers, but our stomach-sleeping testers were able to remove this pillow’s foam fill until achieving a thin enough loft that suited their sleep position. Our testers observed that the pillow offers a nice balance of plushness and support.

What It’s Made of

The Silk & Snow Pillow features a chambered design with a shredded memory foam core. You can add or remove as much foam as you’d like to achieve the best loft at any given time, making the pillow well-suited to stomach sleepers who need very thin pillows. The outer chamber is padded with down alternative fibers that mimic the soft feel of real down without triggering allergy symptoms or using animal-based materials. A breathable cotton sateen shell encases the entire pillow. You can wash and dry the shell in your household machine, but you should only spot-clean the other components as needed. You can purchase the pillow in standard and king sizes.

Shipping is also free for any customer in the contiguous U.S. or provincial Canada. Each order is backed by a 100-night sleep trial with a mandatory 30-night break-in period, as well as a manufacturer’s warranty that covers workmanship defects for up to 3 years.

Stomach sleepers generally need pillows with low profiles and may find most models on the market are too thick for their needs. The Marlow Pillow is adjustable, so stomach sleepers with different preferred lofts should find a comfortable option at an affordable price-point.

How It Performed

We found that the pillow’s shredded foam core offered close contouring, which relieved a significant amount of pressure in our necks. The shredded fill and breathable cover encourage more airflow compared to pillows with solid foam we’ve tested in our lab. The cotton cover is also naturally moisture-wicking, making it a great choice if you live in a humid climate or tend to sweat at night.

What It’s Made of

The Marlow Pillow features a memory foam and polyfoam fiberfill core encased in a 100% cotton sateen cover. A zipper enclosure allows sleepers to adjust the firmness and loft. Unzipping the pillow results in a medium soft feel and lower profile, and the zipped pillow has a firm feel and a thick profile. Mesh fabric lines the zipper opening to promote airflow and regulate temperature. Marlow recommends only spot-cleaning the pillow and using a pillowcase to protect it from stains.

Customers can choose from two size options, standard and king. Marlow offers free shipping to the contiguous U.S., and you’ll also receive a substantial discount on your purchase if you order two or four pillows. Your order comes with a generous 365-day trial. If you decide to keep the pillow after the trial, it is backed by a 2-year warranty.

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Stomach Sleeping Explained

Though stomach sleeping is the least popular sleeping position and there are plenty of drawbacks to consider, some sleepers still find it to be a comfortable way to sleep. Often, this is because stomach sleeping can reduce snoring and sleep apnea symptoms. This is the main benefit of stomach sleeping, as the airway is less likely to become blocked. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by throat muscles relaxing and restricting air. When sleeping face down, the muscles cannot relax into the back of the throat.

That said, stomach sleepers often put undue pressure on the neck and shoulders. Additionally, the hips and abdomen are more likely to press deeply into the mattress. This sleeping position can press the spine out of alignment. As a result, stomach sleeping is often discouraged by sleep experts.

Understanding the drawbacks of stomach sleeping is the first step to promoting better sleep posture. Ergonomic support is important for stomach sleepers. A firm, supportive mattress and a low loft pillow can help ensure the spine is kept in alignment. A pillow underneath the hips can also help. Additionally, stomach sleepers may want to avoid turning their head to one side.

We’ll break down each of these considerations further here, and explain how choosing the right pillow can help stomach sleepers find comfort and support.

How to Choose a Pillow for Stomach Sleepers

There are multiple factors for stomach sleepers to consider to ensure spinal alignment and full-body support. Understanding the following key factors is an essential part of shopping for a pillow. These include pillow loft, size, shape, and moldability, all of which affect the angle of the head and neck.

Every sleeper has unique needs and preferences, but there are common issues that stomach sleepers face. Some pillow materials are better than others, and additional measures may need to be considered.

What to Consider When Purchasing a Pillow for Stomach Sleepers

When shopping for a pillow, it can be easy to be distracted by deals, discounts, and marketing claims about how a pillow works. Focusing on the nuts and bolts of a pillow, along with your personal needs, will go a long way toward making sure your purchase is a worthwhile one. The following factors are the top things that shoppers should look for when purchasing a pillow. These determine how comfortable and supportive the pillow will be, as well as how it performs in other areas.

What Pillow Materials are Best for Stomach Sleepers?

While pillows can be made with a variety of materials, we have found that down alternative, memory foam, and latex pillows are best for stomach sleepers. Other available pillow types include buckwheat, down, feather, and polyfoam. Each pillow type has pros and cons for stomach sleepers, which we’ll break down further here.

Memory Foam
Memory foam is viscoelastic foam that responds to heat and pressure, allowing it to conform closely to the shape of the head and neck. For stomach sleepers, a memory foam pillow can relieve tension and help promote spinal alignment. Some memory foam pillows have a solid memory foam core, while others use shredded memory foam for an adjustable loft. There is a potential for off-gassing, so stomach sleepers who are sensitive to odors may want to consider other options.

Buckwheat
Buckwheat pillows are filled with the hulls of buckwheat seeds. The hulls have an open shape that promotes airflow and helps regulate temperature. When used as a pillow fill, buckwheat is malleable. It conforms to the shape of the head and neck to provide support and relieve pressure. The loft of these pillows can be adjusted by adding or removing hulls, but some stomach sleepers may still find buckwheat pillows to be too firm. The hulls also make a rustling noise when the pillow is moved.

Feather
Feather pillows are filled with the outer feathers of ducks or geese. The feathers compress easily and conform to the shape of the head. Feather pillows are soft and lightweight, which can be beneficial for stomach sleepers. That said, the insulating nature of feathers can cause heat retention. Feather pillows do not retain their shape as well, and often need to be fluffed. The loft of a feather pillow can be adjusted by adding or removing feathers.

Latex
Natural latex is harvested from rubber trees. Latex is breathable, durable, and highly supportive for stomach sleepers. Latex pillows moderately contour to the shape of the head, neck, and shoulders to relieve pressure. Some stomach sleepers may find latex pillows to be too thick, dense, or heavy.

Down
Down is the soft under-feathers of ducks or geese. Down fill is softer than feathers. The malleable fill allows stomach sleepers to shape the pillow as needed. The loft can also be adjusted in some down pillows by adding or removing fill. The cradling effect of down supports the head and neck. Down pillows are typically soft enough for stomach sleepers, but as they compress easily they will need to be fluffed to keep their shape.

Down Alternative
Down alternative mimics the feel of down but is a preferable option for sleepers who are allergic to down or who prioritize bedding that isn’t sourced from animals. Down alternative pillows are made with cotton or polyester fill, and they have a fluffy feel. The strong contouring and plushness make this pillow a good option for stomach sleepers.

Polyfoam
Polyfoam, or polyurethane foam, is often an affordable pillow fill. Polyfoam can offer pressure relief and moderate contouring, but it is not as breathable as other materials. Low-density foam is typically less durable and can sag over time.

What Size Pillows Are Available?

The size of a pillow determines the amount of surface area for a sleeper’s head, neck, and shoulders. This impacts the amount of support the pillow provides. There are five common pillow sizes available:

• Standard, 20” x 26”: A standard size pillow is the most common, and most pillowcases accommodate this size. The length and width of a standard pillow are comfortable for many sleepers, especially petite or narrow-shouldered sleepers and those who stay in the same sleeping position throughout the night. That said, it may feel too narrow for some. Those who change sleeping positions frequently or have broader shoulders may benefit from a larger pillow.
• Super Standard, 20” x 28”: A super standard pillow is not as common, but gives sleepers an extra 2 inches of room. This makes it more comfortable for sleepers who shift positions throughout the night. It may still feel narrow for some sleepers.
• Queen, 20” x 30”: A queen pillow gives users more surface area to change positions and still feel supported throughout the night. This size is 4 inches longer than a standard pillow, making it an ideal pillow for combination sleepers and those with broader shoulders.
• King, 20” x 36”: A king size pillow is one of the largest sizes available. The extra length gives sleepers plenty of room to move around as needed. It can also be used to support the upper body when sitting up in bed. Sleepers who toss and turn throughout the night and those who have broad shoulders will benefit from the additional surface area.
• Body Pillow, 20” x 54”: Body pillows are long pillows designed to elevate other parts of the body. There are various sizes and shapes available. This type of pillow is often preferred by side sleepers and those who like to hold a pillow or prop up their legs or arms as they sleep. Stomach sleepers do not typically benefit from the use of a body pillow.

Other Tips for Stomach Sleepers

While pillow choice is important for stomach sleepers, the following tips can also help them stay comfortable throughout the night.

• Choose the Right Mattress: The best mattress for stomach sleepers is one that offers firm support to help keep the spine aligned. Stomach sleepers press their hips and abdomens into the mattress. If the mattress is too soft, this can cause them to sink in excessively and put pressure on the spine.  Even and consistent support from the mattress helps prevent spinal misalignment and reduces aches and pains for stomach sleepers.
• Use a Pillow Under the Pelvis: Since stomach sleepers run the risk of their lower bodies sinking deeply into the mattress, a pillow under the pelvis can help. This lifts the hips and abdomen and reduces pressure on the spine.
• Sleep with Head Straight Rather Than Turned: Stomach sleepers who turn their heads to one side put stress on the neck and spine. Sleeping with the head straight down helps keep the spine aligned and reduces pressure on the neck and shoulders. Sleepers can prop their head up slightly with a pillow underneath their forehead. Stomach sleepers should also ensure they have selected a pillow made with breathable materials.

Frequently Asked Questions