Written by Sosha Lewis, Senior Staff Writer
Sleeping on your stomach presents some unique challenges in finding the right pillow.
A thick, firm pillow won’t work because your head will be propped up too high, but you probably still want at least a little cushioning since letting your head fall right onto the mattress isn’t particularly comfortable. The goal is to find that happy medium that gives you some cushioning but doesn’t create extra neck strain.
To help you find the right one, our team has carefully selected a list of top pillows for stomach sleeping. With this guide, you’ll be able to find your ideal stomach sleeping pillow without wasting countless hours searching online.
Top 7 Stomach Sleeper Pillows
- Saatva Latex Pillow – Best Overall Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
- Lagoon Chinchilla Pillow – Best Microfiber Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
- Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud – Best Pillow for Stomach Sleepers Who Sleep with an Arm Under the Pillow
- Cozy Earth Silk Pillow – Best Silk Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
- Brooklinen Down Pillow – Best Down Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
- Coop Sleep Goods Original – Best Pillow for Side and Stomach Sleepers
- Layla Kapok – Best Plush Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
- Nectar Resident – Best Cooling Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
At Sleep Advisor, our product reviews are based on findings from in-person tests that allow us to have a genuine understanding of how the mattress feels and performs.
Sleep Advisor took the stress out of shopping by testing and compiling this list of our top picks for stomach sleeper pillows.
We prioritized specific features to devise our list, including spine alignment, pressure relief, loft, contour, cooling, and more.
Saatva Latex Pillow – Best Overall Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
Saatva Latex Pillow
A pressure-relieving pillow made with natural latex.
Saatva Score
4.80 / 5
Read Full ReviewThe Saatva Latex Pillow features an organic cotton cover that is soft, breathable, and designed to wick away moisture, helping hot sleepers keep cool without having to flip the pillow.
This pillow is offered in either a Standard or High loft. While we recommend the Standard loft for stomach sleepers, the multiple heights mean this pillow could work for back and side sleeping too.
The core is made from shredded natural latex, so the fill is hypoallergenic, responsive, and more breathable than synthetic foam.
Lagoon Chinchilla Pillow – Best Microfiber Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
The microfibers inside the Lagoon Chinchilla are aptly named ‘Softy’ down alternative fibers. These fibers are luxuriously plush and airy so that stomach sleepers can rest their heads with maximum comfort. If you want to adjust the amount of fill, you can simply remove handfuls of microfiber at any time.
The Chinchilla’s softness extends to its bamboo and cotton lining, as well as its bamboo and polyester cover. These surfaces are all machine washable and hypoallergenic for prolonged freshness.
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud® – Best Pillow for Stomach Sleepers Who Sleep with an Arm Under the Pillow
TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow
Featuring the brand’s famous TEMPUR® Material, this pillow adapts to the pressure from your head and neck to deliver soothing comfort.
Tempur-Pedic Score
4.50 / 5
The TEMPUR-Cloud® features the TEMPUR® material that compresses easily, making it a great choice for stomach sleepers who like having their arms under the pillow. If this is how you sleep, you probably know how quickly your arm can go numb. Tempur-Pedic found a way to avoid this by using the TEMPUR® material that adapts to your neck, head, and arm.
The material is uniquely responsive, making it easy to pack this pillow if you want to carry it on a trip. Regardless of how you fold or roll it, the TEMPUR-Cloud® will return to its original shape within seconds. In addition, the cover is easy to remove via a zipper and machine-washable for easy maintenance.
Cozy Earth Silk Pillow – Best Silk Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
Cozy Earth Silk Pillow
The pillow has a premium bamboo viscose shell that’s naturally breathable and has temperature-regulating properties.
Cozy Earth Score
4.90 / 5
This Cozy Earth model is an excellent choice for stomach sleepers interested in a silk pillow. The filling is soft, gentle, and luxurious, helping create a more comfortable sleeping environment. Plus, silk is moldable, so it can fit other sleeping positions equally well.
Stomach sleepers who struggle with hot flashes should like the temperature-regulating cover made with viscose from bamboo. The material reduces humidity and helps the pillow stay cool, so there’s little chance of overheating. In addition, the filling stays consistent even if you toss and turn, adapting to the shape of your neck, head, and arm, which is good news if you like to hug the pillow as you sleep..
Brooklinen Down Pillow – Best Down Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
Brooklinen Down Pillow
The Brooklinen Down pillow is available in three firmness levels, making it versatile for a variety of sleepers.
Brooklinen Score
4.30 / 5
The Brooklinen Down Pillow is available in three versions: Plush, Mid-Plush, and Firm. We recommend the Plush option, as it’s the softest of the three. Whereas the other two variants are filled with a mix of feathers of down clusters, the Plush is filled with down clusters exclusively, giving it the huggable, cushiony feel that many stomach sleepers need.
All of the down inside this pillow comes from Canada’s Hutterite Farms and is contained within a 100% cotton sateen shell. Frequent fluffing should help it retain its shape.
Coop Sleep Goods Original – Best Pillow for Side and Stomach Sleepers
Coop Sleep Goods Original Pillow
A blend of microfiber and foam to deliver support and lasting comfort in all sleeping positions.
Coop Score
4.70 / 5
Read Full ReviewStomach sleepers who also like sleeping on their side should enjoy this Coop Sleep Goods Original pillow. The fill is a proprietary blend of microfiber and memory foam that you can adjust using the interlocking dual-case system. In addition, the company provides a half-pound of extra fill should you need a higher loft. This adjustability allows it to better accommodate both positions.
The Coop Sleep Goods Original pillow features a machine-washable Lulltra™ cover that’s gentle on the skin and easy to maintain.
Learn more in our in-depth Coop Sleep Goods Original pillow review.
Layla Kapok – Best Plush Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
Layla Kapok Pillow
The shredded inner materials of the pillow effectively reduce heat during the night.
Layla Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full ReviewStomach sleepers usually look for a plush yet supportive pillow, and this Layla model fits the description. The design delivers a soft and plush feel for stomach sleepers to rest their head against. The mix of Kapok fibers and memory foam makes the pillow moldable and adaptive. The material holds its shape throughout the night, returning to its original state when you get up.
Layla’s pillow includes a soft cover made from polyester and viscose blend. The cover has a hexagon stitching that adds to its comfortable feel and luxurious look.
Learn more about this product in our Layla Kapok pillow review.
Nectar Resident – Best Cooling Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
Nectar Pillow
A memory foam pillow with adjustable firmness levels.
Nectar Score
4.80 / 5
Read Full ReviewIf you’re a stomach sleeper who also deals with feeling too warm at night, then we think you’ll like Nectar’s Resident pillow. This product works to generate cooling and moisture-wicking through a breathable cover made of Tencel.
The pillow comes with a loft that’s 6 inches high, but you can remove some of the fill to slim it down for stomach sleeping. This adjustable design is also helpful if you like to change up your sleep position.
Find out more in our full-length Nectar Resident pillow review.
How to Choose a Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
Finding a new pillow can feel daunting, especially considering there are seemingly endless options. So, how can you make the process easier to help you choose the right pillow? Before you place an order, you should know exactly what you are looking for in terms of performance characteristics. The following points are vital to consider for stomach sleepers looking for their perfect pillow.
Thickness
A slimmer pillow is the ideal choice for a stomach sleeper. Though loftier pillows are better for back or side sleepers, they’re usually not suitable for those who sleep on their belly.
If you lie on your stomach using a thick pillow, your head will be forced up at an awkward angle, which could make it more difficult to fall asleep.
Furthermore, if you do manage to fall asleep, there is a good chance you could wake up with significant neck pain. So, when it comes to stomach pillows, flatter is better.
Temperature
If you’re a stomach sleeper who also runs hot, having a cooler pillow to place against your face could help you sleep more comfortably. In that case, look for a pillow that uses some form of cooling technology. This can come in the form of a specific material used for the fill, or in the design of the cover of the pillow.
Many pillows on the market are designed to help you stay cool while you sleep, so it makes sense to look into those options if overheating is a problem.
View Our Guide: Top-Rated Cooling Pillows
Cost
Before you start shopping for your new pillow, be sure to set a budget for yourself. Flat pillows designed for front sleepers can get surprisingly expensive, and you don’t want to wind up spending more than you can afford because you fall in love with a specific model.
Investing in a quality pillow is a choice you can benefit from night after night, but that investment still needs to fit your budget. The good news is that the online, direct-to-consumer sales model cuts middlemen costs, bringing down prices for shoppers on quality bedding products.
Materials
Pillows for stomach sleepers are made from different materials, but down, down-alternative, and latex are the most popular choices. Memory foam is also an option, but this depends on the pillow since the material is often too dense for stomach sleepers.
Down
Down pillows have real feathers, usually from geese or ducks. These are excellent for stomach sleepers because they’re fluffy and easy to compress into a low loft. However, down pillows are typically expensive and not the best option for allergy-prone people.
Down-Alternative
Down-alternative pillows feel like real down. However, these don’t include any animal products. Instead, down-alternative pillows have polyester fills or natural tree fibers offering the same fluff and softness. In addition, these are more affordable than real down pillows and more suitable for allergy-prone stomach sleepers.
Latex
Latex pillows are made of either Talalay or Dunlop latex. Both are natural materials offering buoyant support and a soft feel. Stomach sleepers who prefer a somewhat firmer feel should prefer latex pillows. Shredded latex is also an option, although it’s often blended with down alternative.
Benefits of Thin Pillows for Stomach Sleepers
Sleeping on your stomach can be hard on your neck and spine because your lower back is often arched, and your neck is turned to the side. 1
Flat, thin pillows are a great way to help keep your head, neck, and spine in a neutral position. Pillows that are too high or overly stiff may keep your neck flexed and your spine at awkward angles, potentially leading to pain and stiffness.1
Your sleep position and pillow choice can play a major role in preventing aches and pains, and quality sleep can keep neck soreness and shoulder pain at bay. 1
Where to Put Your Pillow When Stomach Sleeping
Stomach sleepers should focus on buying a quality pillow that fits this sleeping position. However, it’s equally important to consider where to put the pillow for the most comfortable sleeping.
The pillow you put under your head should be thin yet supportive. A lower loft is recommended so your head isn’t too high. The pillow should offer a bit of cradling to relieve tension in the neck and head. The pillow should also be supportive, preventing you from sinking in.
Stomach sleepers should also consider adding another pillow under the pelvis to support the hips and promote better spine alignment. If you like sleeping on your stomach, try placing a pillow on your lower abdomen for a more comfortable sleeping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best pillow for stomach sleepers with neck and back pain?
Stomach sleepers with neck and back pain will likely need a thinner pillow that allows their head, neck, and spine to stay aligned. Pillows that are too high can strain the neck by keeping it flexed and elevated. Tall or thick pillows may also contribute to the spine being in a U-shape during slumber.
These sleepers will also want to pay attention to the type of materials used in their pillow, with down, down-alternative, and latex being top choices because of their moldability and responsiveness. Memory foam is another pillow option, but the density of this material may make it too stiff for stomach sleepers.
Read more: Best Pillow for Neck Pain, Best Pillow for Back Pain
What type of pillow should stomach sleepers use?
The pillow’s loft is one of the most important aspects for stomach sleepers to consider. Thinner, flatter pillows help stomach sleepers keep their neck and spine neutral throughout the night. Stomach sleepers often find good pillow matches in softer ones filled with materials like down, down-alternative, and latex.
What is the most comfortable way to sleep on your stomach?
When sleeping on your stomach, keeping your neck and spine in a neutral position is important. There are a few steps you can follow to ensure this. Stomach sleepers need a slim pillow that will allow their heads to stay closer to the bed. Also, it is advisable to keep your legs straight when you sleep. It may be tempting for these sleepers to sleep with their legs at an angle or draped over a pillow, but this can put more strain on your back by twisting your spine.
What is the best cooling pillow for stomach sleepers?
Staying cool throughout the night can help you get better quality sleep if you run hot. Good cooling pillows for stomach sleepers will have a flatter loft and softer feel combined with breathable, temperature-regulating materials, which can include both the fill and the cover. Look for breathable materials like cooling gel, latex, shredded foam, bamboo, and cotton.
Final Word of Advice
Owning the right pillow for stomach sleeping can be a game-changer for your overall comfort. Plus, with a comfortable pillow on your bed, you might find that you start looking forward to bedtime more than ever before.
In addition to finding a pillow that enhances your stomach sleeping preferences, you’ll also want to make sure that you have the best kind of mattress as well. If it is time to upgrade your bed, check out our article on the best mattresses for stomach sleepers. Also, if you’re not ready to go all in on a new mattress, a mattress topper can be an easy and affordable way to breathe new life into your mattress. Check out our favorite toppers for stomach sleepers here.
Sosha Lewis
Senior Staff Writer
About Author
Sosha Lewis is a senior staff writer for Sleep Advisor. Lewis is happy that she is able to combine her love of sleep with her love of writing.
Combination Sleeper
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach
References:
- “Say “good night” to neck pain”. Harvard Health Publishing. 2022.