Everything You Need To Know About Stomach Sleeping

We understand that everyone has their own sleeping preferences, thats why weve created this article to help youchoose a mattress thats best for you. But we would be remiss if we didnt discuss the fact that sleeping on your stomach is considered the worst position for your body. Sleeping on your stomach hyperextends the back and cranks the neck to one side, putting stress on the back and causing muscle tension in the neck. For more information on sleeping positions, their benefits and their drawbacks, take a look at our article on what is the best sleeping position.

Therefore, finding the right mattress and learning how to make the best of your preferred position is imperative for stomach sleepers. Its important to choose a mattress that cradles the chest, shoulders, and hips which press into the bed while also keeping the torso supported. Otherwise, you will undoubtedly strain the spine and likely begin to experience lower back pain. Worried about back pain? Check out our best mattresses for back pain to help support you.

Best Mattresses For Stomach Sleepers Of 2022

• Editors Pick DreamCloud Premier
• Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers with Back Pain Saatva
• Best Firm Mattress for Stomach Sleepers Plank Firm
• Best Mattress for Back and Stomach Sleepers Helix Dawn
• Best Cooling Mattress Nolah Evolution
• Best Foam Mattress for Stomach Sleepers Leesa Studio
• Best Mattress for Side and Stomach Sleepers Layla Hybrid
• Best Mattress for Lightweight Stomach Sleepers Tuft & Needle
• Best Organic Mattress Birch Natural

What Is An Innerspring Mattress

Despite the flurry of memory foam and latex beds coming on the scene, traditional innersprings still make up the majority of mattress sales worldwide. Innerspring mattresses are made with, you guessed it, springs!

They are built with a system of steel coils and vary from company to company in the types of coils used. Some have a system of coils in one large block, some have a network of individually-wrapped coils. Others, like Saatva, for example, have layers of both for better contouring, support and durability. Generally, the more of coils a bed has, the better it can contour to and support the sleeper.

Many innersprings also include layers of other materials like memory foam for additional comfort and support. Some would call these mattresses hybrids, but since their primarily made with spring systems, they can certainly fall into the innerspring category.

Read Also: Arthritis In Knees Pain Relief

Different Types Of Mattresses For Adjustable Beds

Luckily when it comes to finding the best adjustable mattress and adjustable base, you have a lot of options as far as types and materials. Based on your personal preferences and sleeping style, you can decide which one will be most suitable for you. When you’re shopping for an adjustable mattress online, you want to make sure it has a decent sleep trial period, and at least a 5 year warranty.

My Green Mattress Pure Echo Organic Cotton Natural Mattress

What happens when you want to co sleep with your little one but need a mattress thats got plenty of back and lumbar support for you? Is it possible to continue co sleeping even if you have your own back to worry about? With the My Green Mattress Pure Echo Organic Cotton Natural Mattress , youll have everything you need to co sleep safely and comfortably without risking your own well-being or your babys! This mattress features an inner pocket spring system that distributes weight evenly while keeping the surface of the mattress firm. It doesnt include any toxic chemicals or heavy metals in its construction.

Pros

Cons

• You can find this mattress in just about any size you might need to suit your specific preferences.

• The mattress is packed well and there arent reports of it arriving damaged or torn.

• This mattress is made of durable materials that wont wear out or sag with use.

• Some customers have reported getting headaches from the smell of this mattress while sleeping on it.

• This mattress may be too short for some bed frames.

• This is a one-sided mattress that doesnt have a pillowtop option and may be too firm for some customers.

Also Check: Lower Abdominal Pain And Blood In Stool

Pros And Cons Of Sleeping On Your Stomach

Pros of Sleeping on Your Stomach

While sleeping on your stomach is regarded as the least healthy sleeping position, there are some potential benefits, the main one being comfort. Many stomach sleepers find that laying on their stomachs is more comfortable and allows them to fall asleep more easily. In addition, due to the position of your throat and tongue, sleeping on your stomach can also reduce the risk of snoring and sleep apnea. Check out our article for more information on sleep apnea.

Cons of Sleeping on Your Stomach

Is it bad to sleep on your stomach? The main problem with sleeping on your stomach is spinal alignment. When you are lying on your stomach, your hips tend to sink into the mattress and cause spinal misalignment. Theres also the issue of the pillow.

When you sleep on your stomach your head is usually turned to the side and angled up. This position can cause discomfort and even pain in your neck.

Lastly, if youre someone who sleeps on your stomach with your arms raised, it can lead to shoulder, back, and neck pain.

Our Picks For The Best Mattresses For Stomach Sleepers:

Thanks to its proprietary latex-like comfort layer, Helix Dawn has firm support thats ideal for stomach sleepers.

Why Its the Best Mattress for Stomach SleepersThe top layer is a latex-foam hybrid that provides moderate contouring for joint comfort without excess softness along the spine. And with a thick layer of durable coils, the Helix Dawn is sturdy enough for stomach sleepers of all body weights.

The Helix Dawns ConstructionLike all standard, non-Luxe Helix models, the Helix Dawn is 12 inches tall. Propped up by a dense 1-inch foam base are 8 inches of steel coils, individually-wrapped for motion isolation. A 1-inch polyfoam layer transitions to 2 inches of Helix Dynamic Foam, the brands proprietary foam alternative that seeks to imitate the bounce and responsiveness of latex.

Top ScoresMattress Advisor testers were notably impressed by the Dawns ability to limit motion transfer , an atypically high score for a mattress with bouncy innersprings. Testers also said Dawn kept their backs well-aligned, giving a solid 9 out of 10 for spinal alignment.

The Testing Teams FeedbackAn all-around excellent, supportive mattress for an excellent price, and very plush feeling even without the pillow top that the Helix Luxe models sport. Although the the brands reassurance of a free pillow top should you need it is a nice touch.

Don’t Miss: Abdominal Pain Right Side During Pregnancy

Sweetnight Breeze Performance Pros And Cons

Pros

• High pressure relief score means that youll wake up free of back pain and that your shoulders and hips will be sufficiently supported.
• Breathable foam and cooling gel will help you sleep cool throughout the night.
• The SweetNight Breeze also scored well in our motion transfer tests, which indicates excellent motion isolation, so you wont have to worry about being disturbed by your sleep partners movements.
• SweetNight offers four other bed-in-a-box mattresses on their online store: The Sunkiss, a memory foam mattress The Island, The Twilight, and The Ocean Blue hybrid mattresses.

Cons

• Edge support was one of the lowest scores that the SweetNight Breeze received. As we sat on or rolled towards the side of the bed we noticed some considerable sagging and a slight feeling that we might slip off.
• After unboxing, the mattress took quite a while to puff up, which is an indicator of low long term durability.
• Though the mattress was very comfortable, it also felt somewhat doughy. As a result, it isnt as responsive as we would have liked. For this reason, it may not be the best choice for combination sleepers.

How Firm Is The Sweetnight

We ranked the 10 version of the SweetNight Twilight around 7.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale. The industry standard for average firmness is 6.5/10, so this suggests the SweetNight mattress is firmer than average. It layers high-density foams over steel-tempered coils, so its not designed to offer a ton of plushness or pressure relief.

Note that firmness is slightly subjective. Your body weight and personal preferences might mean that you rank this bed a bit firmer or softer. Additionally, note that the 12 model of this mattress might feel softer than the 10 version.

Read Also: Icd 10 Right Foot Pain

Qualities Of A Great Co Sleeping Mattress

So what can you do if youre searching for a co sleeping mattress and have no idea where to get started? While weve got plenty of reviews listed below to help you out, its also important for you to know which qualities are the most important when you go shopping for your new shared sleeping arrangements. This can go a long way toward ensuring that you always purchase something safe for you and your child both, whether you pick something from our list or not.

Factors To Consider Before Buying A Mattress Topper For Stomach Sleepers

When shopping for a mattress topper for stomach sleepers, here are the most important factors to consider:

Generally, slightly firmer mattress toppers tend to be more comfortable for stomach sleepers.

A lot of this has to do with the level of support a firmer mattress topper provides. When it comes to cushioned toppers, stomach sleepers may have problems sinking their midsection. This may result in a misaligned spine and cause back pain.

However, your ideal mattress topper firmness mainly depends on factors like body weight. According to the research, stomach sleepers under 130 pounds prefer softer toppers that offer “sinkage”. And individuals weighing around 130 to 230 pounds prefer a medium-firm mattress topper. And those who weigh 230 pounds or more usually prefer a firm mattress topper.

• Pressure relief

One of the main reasons stomach sleepers experience back and neck pain is the excessive sinking of the torso, leading to a misaligned spine. Stomach sleepers usually need more support and less conforming for optimal pressure relief.

As long as your current mattress isn’t sagging, a medium-firm mattress topper can offer the right support and provide pain relief.

Another thing you’ll want to look out for in a mattress topper is its ability to conform to the contours of your body. If it’s too firm, you may feel as if you’re literally sleeping on the floor. And that, of course, can lead to severe aches and pains.

Also Check: Does Pain Relievers Make You Constipated

Easy To Clean And Durable

Last but not least, you should select a mattress you can keep clean easily and one that wont become damaged or saggy over time. Some mattresses come with zippered covers that can be a great option for easy cleaning. With these covers, everything is held in place by a zipper so your baby wont run the risk of getting tangled in the cover. And when the time comes to clean the bed, you can simply unzip it and throw the cover in the washer to get it back to its cleanest possible state once again.

Now that you know about the qualities you should be looking for in your co sleeping bed, be sure to check out the reviews for some of the best products on the market listed later on in our article. Remember that, while not all of these qualities may be applicable to your sleeping arrangements or your situation, most of them are very important to keep in mind before you ever go shopping.

What Firmness Level Should Stomach Sleepers Look For In A Mattress

For stomach sleepers, the firmer the better, Dr. Baxi says. A firm mattress will help with optimizing your spine position, keeping it as neutral as possible. A softer mattress, by comparison, encourages sinkage around your shoulders, hips, and knees. When these points sink too low, your back arches more. A mattress thats on the firm side wont let your body sinkrather, itll provide pressure relief through these parts of your body.

For those who are curious, back sleepers will also benefit from a firmer mattress. Side sleepers, on the other hand, should sleep on a medium-firm mattress.

Also Check: Where Do Labor Pains Start

Find The Type Of Mattress That Works For You

To choose the best mattress, its important to consider your unique needs and preferences. Factors like temperature control, firmness level, construction, and materials all affect the quality and performance of a mattress. However, each sleeper has different priorities. Sleeping position is one key factor that may play a role in determining what type of mattress is best for you.

When testing mattresses, weve found that stomach sleepers typically benefit from surfaces that provide firm support and gentle cushioning. With that in mind, hybrid, latex, all-foam, and innerspring mattresses can all meet the needs of stomach sleepers depending on the construction and firmness level. Which type of mattress is best for a stomach sleeper ultimately boils down to their personal preferences about other performance factors.

Stomach Sleeping Weight Chart

To help folks that are stomach sleepers, we created a scale to help sleepers of different weights decipher which firmness is best for their body type. The important thing is to remain comfortable without sinking in or having your limbs pinned in discomfort. As you can see above, most stomach sleepers prefer firmer mattresses overall. For those that are heavier, ultra-firm mattresses may be best so that your back is properly supported.

Recommended Reading: Knee Pain After Working Out

Finding The Best Mattress For Stomach Sleepers

• Pressure Relief Stomach sleepers need to relieve pressure from their necks, shoulders, and back, which makes an innerspring or hybrid mattress an especially good choice. The Saatva mattress is especially good for superior pressure relief combined with customizable support. Pocket coils provide just the right amount of flexibility while isolating movement from tossing and turning. Most importantly for stomach sleepers, the Saatva is available in a firm option, which is about a 7.5 on a scale of 1 to 10. The Saatva also provides layers of polyfoam, memory foam, and 2 inches of organic cotton. Including a 120-day trial period and a 15-year warranty, the Saatva offers stomach sleepers years of cloud-like comfort.
• Spinal Alignment Stomach sleepers experience the best support on a mattress that keeps the spine in healthy alignment while they sleep. Memory foam beds are not ideal for stomach sleepers, because they tend to be on the softer side and can cause an awkward curve in the spine. That said, if youre a stomach sleeper who prefers memory foam, you can find memory foam beds that come in firmer options . Otherwise, youd probably fair best with an innerspring, hybrid or latex mattress with the kind of firm support you need to keep that spine aligned while you sleep on your stomach. The Saatva and DreamCloud are both great options for stomach sleepers in the innerspring/hybrid market, while Zenhavens firm side is unmatched in terms of quality and luxury in the latex category.

Zinus Icoil Mattress Review

• What Are The Alternatives?

In my Zinus Cloud Mattress review, I concluded that the pressure relieving qualities conferred by the plush feel and individualised contouring properties of the memory foam made it ideal for side sleepers under 200 lbs.

However, these qualities make it a terrible choice for front sleepers, combo sleepers, and heavier weighted sleepers in general due to the lack of firmness and relative support.

So in this Zinus iCoil Mattress review, Ill be finding out if this extra firm mattress is a viable alternative.

Ive formulated this review based on my own expert knowledge of how mattresses tend to behave based on their qualities and properties.

But if you have slept on the Zinus iCoil Extra Firm Mattress then please do let me know what you think about this mattress in the comments section at the end of this post.

Ok, lets dive right in!

Don’t Miss: Best Affordable Mattress For Back Pain

Best Hybrid Mattress For Stomach Sleepers: Helix Dusk

The Helix Dusk combines memory foam and coils for maximum comfort. The top layers of memory foam provide pressure point relief and are designed to react and contour to your body. The medium-level firmness is exactly what is recommended for stomach and back sleepers or for couples with different sleep preferences. As an added bonus, the individually-wrapped coils cradle you while providing edge support, meaning when you sit on the edge of the bed, there is no sagging. It also limits motion transfer, which is another great feature for couples.

Helix offers a sleep quiz that considers sleep positions to match people with their perfect mattress, and it pairs stomach sleepers with the Helix Dusk. Roughly 8,000 people who have purchased the mattress and reviewed it on the Helix website have given it 4.5 stars. There are many satisfied customers who left comments similar to this one: Weve had this bed for about six months, and its the best bed weve ever had. Im a side sleeper, whereas my husband sleeps on his stomach and has a lot of trouble falling and staying asleep and since we got this mattress, hes been able to sleep through the night.

Pros and Cons of Helix Dusk