7+ Best Pillows For Stomach Sleepers | Unrivaled Guide 2025

About 7% of people sleep on their stomachs, a much less common position than lying on their sides or backs. Therefore, pillows are generally made for side or back sleepers. The firmness and loft of the pillow affect the angle of the head and neck and the alignment of the spine. People who prefer to sleep on their sides generally prefer thinner pillows than those who sleep on their sides or back, since sleeping on their sides can cause neck, shoulder, and back pain by elevating the head and neck too high.

Best Pillows For Stomach Sleepers

Sleep specialists have evaluated various pillows to determine the best pillow for people with stomach The following pillows were selected based on feedback from testers who sleep primarily on their stomachs and mixed sleepers who occasionally use their stomachs. This makes all of them attractive choices for stomach sleepers because of their thinness, loft adjustment, and head and neck support.

Please see the detailed product profiles below to learn more about our selections. Each pillow is uniquely priced according to its quality and features to differentiate it from competing products.

For more information on buying a comfortable stomach sleeper pillow, feel free to scroll down and check out our buying guide. We’ll cover the best pillow qualities for stomach sleepers, pillow types and prices, and features that people who primarily sleep on their stomachs and occasional stomach sleepers look for in a pillow.

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Best Pillows For Stomach Sleepers  | Comparison Table 2025

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Best Pillows For Stomach Sleepers | 2025 Products Overview

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Explanation of supine sleeping

Although depression is the least popular and has many disadvantages, some people consider it a comfortable way to sleep. In many cases, this is because sleeping on one’s stomach reduces snoring and sleep apnea symptoms. This is the main advantage of supine sleeping, which reduces airway obstruction. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the throat relax and restrict airflow. Sleeping on the prone position does not allow the muscles in the back of the throat to relax.
Nevertheless, people who sleep on their stomachs often put excessive strain on their necks and shoulders. In addition, the lower back and abdomen tend to sink deeper into the mattress. This type of sleeping can lead to misalignment of the spine. For this reason, sleep experts often advise against slouching.

Understanding the disadvantages of prone sleeping is the first step in promoting better sleep posture. Ergonomic support is important for people who sleep on their stomachs. A firm support mattress and a low pillow can help maintain spinal alignment. Placing a pillow under the lower back also helps. In addition, prone sleepers should avoid turning their head to one side.

In this section, we will discuss each of these points in detail and explain how choosing the right pillow can help stomach sleepers sleep more comfortably..

What to Consider When Buying a Pillow for Stomach Sleepers

When shopping for pillows, it is easy to be distracted by promotions, discounts, and advertising claims about the pillow’s effectiveness. Focusing on the details of the pillow and your needs will help you make a worthwhile purchase. The following factors are the most important for consumers when purchasing a pillow Not only do they determine a pillow’s comfort and support, but also its performance in other areas.

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Loft

The height of the pillow. This is important for people who sleep on their stomachs and determines the support of the pillow. Pillows can have low, medium, or high expansion. Fluffiness can often be adjusted by removing or inserting the filling. Depression sleepers generally prefer pillows with less loft or less than 10 cm in height. Medium-height pillows (3 to 5 inches) can also provide support for tummy sleepers, but this depends on other factors such as head size and personal preference. The height of the pillow should support the head and neck and keep them at a comfortable angle. Pillows that are too high or too low can strain the neck and shoulders.

Support

This determines whether the spine is in alignment. Several factors affect a pillow’s ability to provide support, including loft, firmness, and size. The head, neck, and shoulders must be properly supported. Relieves tension in the neck and shoulders, preventing gastrointestinal pain.

Firmness

there are pillows available in a variety of firmness levels, from soft to firm. Determining the optimal firmness depends on your sleeping posture, as well as your weight and preference. People with stomachs should use pillows of soft to medium firmness to ensure that their head and neck are at a comfortable angle. The firmness of the pillow is affected by the material used. Down, alternative down, and memory foam pillows are generally softer, while buckwheat and latex pillows tend to be firmer.

Pressure Relief

Pillows that cradle the head and neck help relieve pressure. People who sleep on their stomachs often experience pressure and discomfort in the neck and spine, so a pillow that provides relief in these areas is helpful. Ergonomic support keeps the head, neck, and spine aligned. Some materials, such as latex or memory foam, conform to the shape of the head and neck, providing excellent pressure dispersion.

Shape

Pillows are often rectangular or square, but can hold their shape depending on the material and construction. Materials such as down and down substitutes compress easily and lose their shape overnight, so pillows must be fluffy to provide a comfortable sleep. Latex tends to hold its shape overnight, providing stable support for prone sleepers. Memory foam compresses easily for a personalized feel and returns to its original shape when pressure is removed.

Price

Pillow prices vary depending on the materials and construction used. Pillow prices vary widely, ranging from budget pillows costing $10-20 to luxury products costing $150 or more. Because of this wide range in price, it is important for buyers to set a budget in advance. It should be kept in mind that high-quality materials may have a higher initial cost, but they are less frequently replaced.

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Moldability

Moldability is the ease with which a pillow can be molded to your preference. This allows for a personalized shape with comfort and support. A prone sleeper may need to change the shape of the pillow throughout the night to ensure good head and neck support. In this case, a moldable pillow can help.

Material quality

The quality of the material determines the lifespan of the pillow. On average, a pillow should provide stable support for three years. Low-quality pillows should be replaced more frequently, as they are more likely to lose their shape and provide inadequate support. Down and latex pillows often have a longer lifespan, while polyester and low-density polyfoam may deteriorate more quickly.

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Memory foam

Memory foam is a viscoelastic foam that responds to heat and pressure and can be molded to conform perfectly to the shape of the head and neck. For those who sleep on their stomachs, a memory foam pillow can help relieve tension and help align the spine. Some memory foam pillows have a firm memory foam core or shredded memory foam to adjust the loft. Because of the off-gassing hazard, odor-sensitive stomachs should consider other options.

Buckwheat

A buckwheat hull pillow is a pillow stuffed with buckwheat hulls. The outer shell is open-ended to promote air circulation and help regulate temperature. Buckwheat is resilient when used as a pillow filling. It molds to the shape of the head and neck, providing support and pressure distribution. Pillow loft can be adjusted by adding or removing hulls, but some people with a belly may find buckwheat pillows too firm. Also, the shells make a crinkling sound when the pillow is moved.

Feather

Feather pillows are stuffed with the outer feathers of ducks or geese. Feathers compress easily and conform to the shape of the head. Feather pillows are soft and lightweight and work well for people who sleep on their stomachs. However, down has the disadvantage of being a good insulator, which makes it easy for heat to build up. Down pillows do not retain their shape well and often fluff up. Down pillows can be adjusted in filling by adding or removing feathers.

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Latex

Natural latex is obtained from rubber trees. Latex is breathable, durable, and supports abdominal sleep. Latex pillows conform properly to the shape of the head, neck, and shoulders, relieving pressure. Some stomach sleepers may find latex pillows too thick, too dense, or too heavy.

Down

Down is the soft down underside of duck or goose feathers. Down is softer than feathers. In addition, the shape of the down can be changed to make a pillow that fits your needs, even if you are hungry. Also, the fluffiness of some pillows can be adjusted by adding or removing feathers. The enveloping effect of down provides support for the head and neck. Down pillows are generally soft enough for lying on one’s stomach, but they are easily compressed and must be inflated to maintain their shape.

Polyfoam

Polyfoam (polyurethane foam) is often offered as an affordable pillow stuffing. Polyfoam provides pressure relief and moderate contouring, but is less breathable than other materials. Low-density foam is generally less durable and may sag at times

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What Size Pillow

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

Standard, 20″ x 26″

Standard size pillows are the most common and most pillowcases will fit this size. The length and width of a standard pillow is comfortable for many sleepers, especially those who are short or have narrow shoulders and who maintain the same sleeping position throughout the night. Nevertheless, some people may find it too narrow. People who change sleeping positions frequently or have broad shoulders may benefit from a larger pillow.

Super Standard (20″ x 28″)

Less common, but offers 5 inches more space. This makes it comfortable for sleepers who change positions during the night. Some sleepers may still find it too small.

Queen bed, 20″ x 30″.

Queen pillows provide a larger area to change positions and feel supported throughout the night. They are 4″ longer than a typical pillow, so they are recommended for mixed sleepers and those with broad shoulders.

King, 20″ x 36″

The King pillow is one of the largest sizes available. Its length allows you to move around as needed. It can also be used to support the upper body when sitting up in bed. For those who toss and turn a lot or have broad shoulders, it provides a larger surface area.

Body Pillow, 20″ x 54″

A body pillow is a long pillow designed to elevate other parts of the body. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes. This type is often preferred by side sleepers and those who prefer to hold the pillow or support their legs and arms. For people who sleep on their stomachs, the use of body pillows is usually not effective.

Additional Tips for Stomach Sleepers

Pillow selection is important for belly breathers, but the following tips can help keep you comfortable throughout the night.

Choose the right mattress

The best mattress for a prone sleeper is one that provides good support for the spine. A prone sleeper rests their hips and stomach on the mattress. If the mattress is too soft, they may sink in too far, which can strain the spine. Regular and constant support of the mattress prevents misalignment of the spine and reduces pain for people who sleep on their stomachs.

Use a pillow under the pelvis

People with gastrointestinal problems tend to sink their lower body deeper into the mattress, so placing a pillow under the pelvis can help. This lifts the hips and abdomen and reduces strain on the spine.

Sleeping on your stomach or turning to the side puts strain on the neck and spine.

Sleeping with the head upright aligns the spine and reduces strain on the neck and shoulders. It is best to place a pillow under the forehead and raise the head slightly. Also, if you are a poor sleeper, you may want to choose a pillow made of breathable material.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is stomach sleeping common?

Slouching is the least common sleeping position, chosen by 7% of sleepers. Depressed sleeping is often avoided by medical professionals because of its disadvantages, including back and neck pain. Nevertheless, some sleepers find it to be the most comfortable posture for them.

Is sleeping on your stomach bad?

Sleeping on one’s stomach is not in itself a bad thing. Many people prefer to sleep on their stomachs and do not experience discomfort, but this position is more painful than sleeping on the side or back.

People tend to carry a disproportionate amount of weight on their chest and stomach compared to the rest of the body. When sleeping face down, gravity causes this extra weight to sink into the mattress. If you sink too low, your solar plexus will be lower than your neck, shoulders, and hips. This can disrupt alignment and cause pain in these areas.

For those who prefer to sleep on their stomach, we recommend a medium type mattress with a firmer feel and a profile of 12 inches or less. These models will strengthen the midsection muscles more and keep the body flat. Zoned mattresses are often firmer in the chest and stomach areas, so you may want to purchase one of these models.

We also recommend low resilient pillows for most belly sleepers. Placing your head on a thick pillow in a prone position can strain your neck and cause stiff and sore shoulders in the morning. Some people do not use pillows and place their head directly on the mattress.

What is important in choosing a pillow for stomach sleepers?

Pillow height is perhaps the most important factor in selecting the best pillow for the stomach sleeper. The height of the pillow determines the angle of the head and neck. It also affects the support provided by the pillow.

In addition to pillow height, buyers should consider pillow size, filling, and firmness. Each buyer has unique needs and preferences that should be kept in mind.

What kind of pillow is best for a prone sleeper?

The best pillow for any sleeper provides adequate support without disrupting spinal alignment or putting undue strain on the neck and shoulders. For prone sleepers, a low- to medium-inflated pillow 2 to 4 inches thick is generally most comfortable. Some people do not use pillows at all. Thick, padded pillows may provide too much support for the head and neck when supine, affecting alignment and creating pressure.

Since prone sleeping is not as common as side or back sleeping, there are few pillows specifically designed for prone sleeping. Most pillows for prone sleeping are low in height.

People who sleep on their backs also need to pay attention to the firmness of their mattresses. If the mattress is relatively soft, it may be easier to sink into the upper layers, so a thicker pillow may be more comfortable. People who sleep on firmer mattresses will not need as thick a pillow. Nevertheless, most people who lie on their stomachs prefer low to medium expansion pillows, whether their mattresses are soft or firm.

What is the worst type of pillow for people who sleep on their stomachs?

Different types of pillows have advantages and disadvantages, but people with a belly should avoid lofty or sloping pillows. They are the worst pillows for people who sleep on their stomachs because they elevate the head and put strain on the neck and spine. Stomach sleepers should also avoid pillows that are unsupportive or excessively firm. It is also important that the pillow be made of breathable material.

Should I use a pillow when I sleep on my stomach?

People who sleep on their sides or backs usually need a thick, high pillow to adequately support their head and neck. However, stomach sleepers often find lower pillows more comfortable. Some people do not use pillows at all. If the mattress is firm enough that you don’t sink into it when you lie on your stomach, it won’t be too painful to stop using pillows.