Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Home / Technology / The Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers, Accordin...
Technology

The Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers, According to a Sleep Science Coach (2026)

CN
CitrixNews Staff
·
The Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers, According to a Sleep Science Coach (2026)
CommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this story

Featured in this article

Best OverallWolf Memory Foam Hybrid Premium Firm MattressRead more$1,199

Wolf

Best for Stomach–Side Combination SleepersNolah EvolutionRead more$2,277 $1,480 (35% off)

Nolah

Best Firm Mattress for Stomach SleepersPlank Firm MattressRead more$1,332 $999 (25% off)

Brooklyn Bedding

Best for Stomach Sleepers With Back PainBear Elite Hybrid (Firm)Read more$2,284 $1,485 (35% off)

Bear

People who don’t sleep on their stomach may look at a stomach sleeper and wonder how this position could possibly be comfortable.

I should know—I'm a former stomach sleeper who can speak to what to look for when shopping for a mattress. I'm also a professional mattress tester with nearly six years of testing experience. I'm also a certified Sleep Science coach, which is basically a personal trainer who helps you sleep better. All to say, I know my stuff and have lived experience with stomach sleeping as well. The main pain point for stomach sleepers is spinal alignment, so a mattress for them should prioritize this feature.

For most stomach sleepers, their head is twisted to the side, putting some strain on the neck and upper back. The lower back has a natural S curve, and if a mattress lacks firmness and/or lumbar support, the back is inclined to sink into the mattress surface. You don't want that. The slightest amount of sinking or putting your back at an angle it's not supposed to be in for prolonged periods (i.e., sleeping for hours) is a surefire way to develop back pain. Make sure your shoulders and hips stay at the same level with a firmer surface, such as the ones we've tested below.

We test mattresses for various scenarios you may encounter, including the Best Mattresses for Back Pain, the Best Cooling Mattresses, the Best Organic Mattresses, and the Best Mattresses we've found to date.

Updated April 2026: I've added two mattresses, the Endy and Saatva HD, as well as details on the best mattress type and pillows for stomach sleeping. I've also ensured pricing is up to date throughout.

Jump to SectionAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

Compare Our Top Picks

MattressMaterialsCertificationsFirmness optionsHeightTrial periodWarrantyWolf Memory Foam Hybrid Premium FirmMemory foam, pocketed coils, cooling coverCertiPur-US certified foamMedium-firm (6.5/10)13 inches101 nights; 30-day break-in period required before initiating returnLimited lifetimeNolah EvolutionAirFoam, memory foam, pocketed coils, organic cotton cover, GlacioTex pillow top (upcharge)CertiPur-US certified foam, GreenGuard GoldPlush (4/10), luxury firm (6.5/10), firm (8/10)14 inches120 nights; 30-day break-in period required before initiating returnLimited lifetimePlank FirmFlippable design with quilted tops on both sides, plus two layers of foamCertiPur-US certified foam, GreenGuard GoldDual-sided: firm (8/10) and extra firm (10/10)10 inches120 nights; 30-day break-in period required before initiating returnLimited lifetimeBear Elite HybridCopper-infused memory foam, memory foam, pocketed coils, phase-change material cover, Celliant cover (upcharge)CertiPur-US certified foam, GreenGuard GoldSoft (5/10), medium (6/10), firm (7/10)14 inches120 nights; 30-day break-in period required before initiating returnLimited lifetimeTiamiOrganic cotton cover, Energex foam, foam-capped pocketed coilsCertiPur-US certified foam, Oeko-TexFirm (7/10)12 inches100 nights; 30-day break-in period required before initiating return10 yearsDreamCloud HybridCooling cover, memory foam, pocketed coilsCertiPur-US certified foamMedium firm (6.5/10)12 inches100 nights; 30-day break-in period required before initiating returnLimited lifetimeThuma Luxury HybridTencel cover, organic wool, memory foam, organic latex, recycled steel pocketed coilsCertiPur-US certified foam, Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) certified latex, Oeko-Tex, GreenGuard GoldPlush, Medium (7.5/10), Firm10 inches100 nights; 30-day break-in period required before initiating return15 yearsThe EndyBreathable cover, cooling foam, support foamsCertiPur-US certified foamFirm (7.5 out of 10), medium firm, plush9 inches (firm), 10 inches (medium firm), 11 inches (plush)365 nights15 yearsSaatva HDEuro pillow top with organic cotton cover, zoned latex, 5-pound memory foam layer, comfort foam, edge support foam rail, 14-gauge pocketed coil unit, spinal wire support, high-density foam baseCertiPur-US certified foams, Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) certified latex. GreenGuard GoldFirm (7 out of 10 for average weight sleepers), medium (5 out of 10 for heavy sleepers)15.5 inches365 nightsLifetime

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Mattress Should Stomach Sleepers Use?

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

Hybrid mattresses are typically ideal for stomach sleeping. Some use of memory foam aids in pressure relief, but overall, it assists with maintaining weight distribution across the entire surface of the bed. This support helps prevent your hips from being the one area that sinks in too much, and being the catalyst for misalignment. Coils, especially pocketed ones, are integral for this as well. Since each coil is able to do its own thing (traditional coils are interconnected, so they will all mush down when weight is applied), you get more targeted support. Some mattresses will put coils into zones, with firmer ones right underneath the lumbar zone to ensure that it isn't going anywhere.

Memory foam models like the Plank Firm and Endy work well too, provided they are truly firm and they have the right height to fit your stature. A firm mattress won't be able to compensate for its thinness for heavy sleepers, and increased body mass can sink through to the support core. A general rule of thumb: Anything that feels too soft is not good news for a stomach sleeper's spine.

What Is the Best Mattress Firmness for Stomach Sleeping?

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

Stomach sleepers usually do best on firm mattresses. However, there is still some variance within the “firm” category. Most stomach sleepers can get away with medium-firm, provided they're petite or average-weight sleepers. Medium-firm is about 6 to 6.5 on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 representing the firmest you can go, aside from sleeping directly on the floor. Some plus-size sleepers may also enjoy medium-firm beds, especially if they're anywhere between 200 and 250 pounds. Anyone over that threshold may find the bed too soft still, and would need to consider a firm mattress.

What Kind of Pillow Do Stomach Sleepers Need?

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

Typically, stomach sleepers should look for a thin, “low loft” pillow. For stomach sleepers, a pillow needs to maintain cervical (where the spine and neck meet) alignment while also keeping the lumbar zone lifted. Too high of a loft and the head, neck, and even shoulders are lifted too far above the lumbar zone. This puts needless strain on the lower back for prolonged periods.

Personally, I love a thin, fluffy pillow, as I find it more malleable. Some may find that thin and firm is better for their needs. And in some cases, some sleepers may forgo a pillow altogether as their mattress does a good job of maintaining spine alignment from top to bottom. See our guide to the Best Pillows for specific pillows we recommend.

However, there are still a few ways to stomach sleep. Some people may raise their arms above their head while turning their head to the side. Others may lift one or both arms and a leg. If you suspect you are bending a knee at an angle, this is where pillows are also important. You can use another pillow under your knee or hip to maintain spine alignment. As a stomach-side sleeper, I often turn to body pillows to help with this.

Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that's too important to ignore. Subscribe Today.

Comments

Back to topTriangleJulia Forbes is a product writer and reviewer for the WIRED Reviews team, focused on all things related to sleeping well: mattresses, sheets, pillows, toppers, and tech. She is a Spencer Institute-certified Sleep Science coach and has been testing mattresses and sleep products for more than five years. Previously, Julia ... Read MoreProduct Writer and ReviewerTopicsmattressesbuying guidesShoppingSleepBedroomonline shoppingEvery Smart Home Needs Some Voice-Controlled Robotic Window ShadesFrom made-to-measure smart shades to retrofit curtain bots, these are our favorite WIRED-tested drapes for your windows.Simon HillGive Your Back a Break With Our Favorite Office ChairsSitting at a desk for hours? Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats.Julian ChokkattuThe Best Heart Rate Monitors Check Your Cardiac HealthThese chest straps and watches will help you keep your finger on your pulse—and many other heart-related metrics.Michael SawhThe 11 Best Electric Bikes for Every Kind of RideI tested the best electric bikes in every category, from commuters and mountain bikes to foldables and cruisers.Adrienne SoDeath to Dry Skin. These Humidifiers Are Better Than ChapstickFrom models for traveling to humidifiers that double as planters or air purifiers, we've tested a dozen of them.Matthew KorfhageThe Best Fitness Trackers Check Your Sleep, Heart Rate, or Even Your BloodWith almost ten years of hands-on testing, WIRED knows what separates the best fitness trackers from the rest.Adrienne SoThese Premium Soundbars and Wireless Speakers Compete With Fancy Wired SetupsSoundbars just keep getting better, but some rise above the rest. These are the best high-end soundbars and wireless A/V speakers I’ve tried.Ryan WaniataThe Best Portable Chargers for All Your DevicesKeep your phone, laptop, handheld gaming console, and other electronics running with these travel-friendly power banks.Simon HillThe Best Kindles to Take Your Library AnywhereHere’s how Amazon’s ebook readers stack up—and which one might be right for you. Nena Farrell The 12 Best Coffee Subscriptions of 2026 to Keep You WiredThese services deliver freshly roasted, delicious coffee picks right to your door—each with its own twist.Matthew KorfhageThe Best Apple Watch AccessoriesYou finally caved and bought an Apple Watch. These are our favorite bands, screen protectors, and chargers to go with your new smartwatch.Adrienne SoThe Best Lightweight Hiking Boots Won’t Weigh You Down on Your Next MountainEach pair I tested weighs under 2 pounds. Whatever happens on your next adventure, your shoes won’t hold you back.Chris Haslam

Wired Coupons

https://www.wired.com/coupon-element/static/shop/54226/logo/t-mobile_promo_code.pngT-Mobile Promo Code

Samsung Gs25+ Free With T-mobile for Business Supermobile

https://www.wired.com/coupon-element/static/shop/52309/logo/squarespace_promo_code.pngSquarespace Promo Code

Squarespace Promo Code: 20% Off Annual Acuity Subscriptions

https://www.wired.com/coupon-element/static/shop/52280/logo/lg_promo_code.pngLG Promo Code

LG Promo Code: 20% Off Your First Order

https://www.wired.com/coupon-element/static/shop/52269/logo/dell_coupon_code.pngDell Coupon Code

10% Off Dell Coupon Code for New Customers

https://www.wired.com/coupon-element/static/shop/52261/logo/samsung_promo_code(2).pngSamsung Promo Code

30% Samsung Coupon - Offer Program 2026

https://www.wired.com/coupon-element/static/shop/52272/logo/canon_promo_code.pngCanon Promo Code

10% Off Canon Promo Code + Up to 30% Off

Originally reported by Wired