As most stomach sleepers will know, finding a mattress that’s firm enough to prevent you from sinking, yet soft enough so it doesn’t feel like a plank is no simple task. But it is essential because without correct spine alignment, sleeping prone with your head to one side can wreak havoc on your neck and back. While many firm mattresses deliver on support, they’re lacking in the comfort department. On the flipside, softer mattresses, while plush and luxurious, can put a lot of strain on stomach-sleepers’ spines. Finding the right mattress can be a pain in the neck.
So, how do you find that “Goldilocks” sweet spot between softness and support? Trying them out in-store first is one way. Except even then, a quick test may not give an accurate idea of how a mattress will feel in six months’ time. And getting to the store—especially one with the mattress you’re looking for—isn’t easy for everyone. To help you reduce the risk of buying the wrong mattress online, our stomach-sleeping editors tested a range of different options at home (sleeping on the job!). They evaluated each mattress on comfort, support, sleep quality and value.
Top Picks:
- Best Under $500: Zinus Comfort Support Cooling Gel Mattress
- Best Under $2000: Plank Firm Luxe
- Best Over $3000: Saatva Rx
The Editor’s Take
As a sleep editor for Health, I’ve interviewed experts and tested and reviewed products to help you get the best night’s sleep possible—and that typically starts with finding the right mattress. While I’m not a stomach sleeper myself, I have tested more than 50 mattresses and learned what makes the most supportive sleep possible.
Finding the right mattress is hard, but the best first step is choosing your ideal firmness. Stomach sleepers should typically opt for a firmer mattress (see our Firmness Guide below for more details). Rahul Shah, MD, FAAOS, board-certified spine surgeon at Premier Orthopaedic Spine Associates, previously told Health that a too-soft mattress can overwork and strain muscles, causing back pain—a particular concern for stomach sleepers.
The next step is picking your preferred mattress type: foam or hybrid. Foam mattresses make up some of the softest and firmest mattresses, with the Plank mattress—one of the firmest on our list at a 5 out of 5—made of high-density foam. The good news is that finding a firm, supportive mattress doesn’t necessarily require a huge investment, and our list starts under $500.
— Jaylyn Pruitt, Associate Commerce Editor
What to Know About Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers
As Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, chief medical advisor at Sleepopolis, notes, “Stomach sleepers should look for a mattress that provides adequate support to keep the spine aligned and prevent lower back pain. A medium-firm to firm mattress is typically ideal, as it helps to keep the body from sinking too deeply and maintains proper posture.” Physical therapist Dr. Theresa Marko explains further, “If you happen to be a stomach sleeper and the bed is too soft, then that would put a lot of stress on your back because you would be sinking into the bed, going into a hyperextended position.”
When selecting a mattress for stomach sleeping, beyond “firmer is better,” there are no hard-and-fast rules. After all, many stomach sleepers will also spend time on their sides and backs, and side sleepers generally require mattresses with more give. Also, “comfort” is down to personal preference (and spinal alignment). And it’s likely you already have a preference when it comes to softness versus firmness.
That’s why we tested a variety of mattresses: full foam and hybrid models that range in firmness from medium through to extra firm—even some with multiple firmnesses built into the one mattress. If you’re purchasing online, check out our firmness scale to get a sense of where your preferences land. And be sure to check the trial and warranty details first, as most reputable mattress brands will offer generous terms on both.
Our Three Favorite Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers
Under $500: Zinus Cooling Gel
With a finely tuned balance of firmness and plushness, this hybrid mattress made a big improvement in sleep quality for a minimal payout. The cooling performance outstripped some of the more expensive options we tested. And the reduced partner disturbance it delivered is worth the price of the mattress alone.
Under $2000: Plank Mattress
Firm for a foam mattress, this Plank mattress has the added advantage of being flippable, with varied firmness on each side—giving great versatility and peace of mind for a large-ish online purchase. While testing this mattress, we noticed a dramatic improvement in sleep quality and reduction in muscle and joint pain.
Over $3000: Saatva Rx
Delivering superb back support, spine alignment and overall comfort, the medium-firm Saatva Rx hybrid mattress is a balm for aching joints and muscles. It also hits that sweet spot with just the right amount of sink and a whole lot of pressure relief.
All Our Recommendations
Best Under $500:
Best Under $2,000:
Best Over $3,000:
Our Top Picks
Zinus Comfort Support Cooling Gel Hybrid Mattress at Amazon $361
SweetNight Breeze Mattress at Amazon $597
Plank Firm Luxe Hybrid Mattress at Plankmattress.com
Plank by Brooklyn Bedding Firm Mattress at Amazon $1,149
Saatva Classic Mattress at Saatva $2,095
Saatva Rx Mattress at Saatva $3,295
GhostBed Flex Hybrid Mattress at Amazon
Leesa Legend Chill Hybrid Mattress at Leesa
Purple RejuvenatePremier Mattress at Purple
Best Under $500
Zinus Comfort Support Cooling Gel Hybrid Mattress
PHOTO: Amazon
Who It’s Best For
This medium-firm mattress is suited to side and stomach sleepers looking for an affordable hybrid option that doesn’t compromise comfort or cooling properties.
Who Should Skip It
If you prefer a rigid sleep surface, this mattress will likely have a little too much give.
Why We Like It
This mattress provides a balanced firmness with a slightly plush feel, enhancing sleep quality without overheating issues. From the packaging to the materials and overall feel, it delivers exceptional quality for a modest price tag. We’d 100% recommend it as a low-cost replacement for a tired mattress or guest room.
What It’s Made Of
The base of this mattress is constructed from a bottom layer of comfort foam and a 7-inch pocket spring support layer. The upper mattress contains a layer of comfort foam beneath cooling gel memory foam. It is topped with a poly jacquard cover.
How It Performed
Throughout testing, this mattress did a great job of distributing pressure and delivered a marked improvement in comfort for a minimal price. We experienced a noticeable improvement in sleep quality, and though we still woke during the night, we found it easier to fall back to sleep. The thing we loved most: the massive reduction in partner disturbance. We’ve been waking better rested and with reduced pain.
It’s Worth Noting
This mattress has medium firmness and a plush feel, so it’s not a good choice for people who need a firmer sleep surface.
Product Details
- Type: Hybrid
- Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King
- Firmness Level: Medium-firm (3/5)
- Depth: 8, 10, or 12 inches
- Delivery: In a box with free delivery
- Warranty and Return Policy: 30-day returns, 10-year warranty
Meet Our Tester
The editor who tested this mattress is a side and stomach sleeper who shares the bed with their partner and two furry friends. They tend to sleep hot, are prone to sleep disturbance, and experience lower back pain.
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SweetNight Breeze Mattress
PHOTO: Amazon
$597 at AmazonView on Sweetnight.com
Who It’s Best For
This mattress is great for combination sleepers. It provides contour support in various sleep positions without ever losing its shape.
Who Should Skip It
Look elsewhere if you’re looking for some bounce or plush softness in your mattress.
Why We Like It
Firm yet comfortable, the Sweetnight Queen Mattress molded to our contours, offering great support as we moved through various sleep positions. Conveniently shipped to our door, the mattress was easy to set up, and we were impressed with the quality of construction and materials for the price.
What It’s Made Of
This mattress has a breathable jacquard cover. It features several foam layers, including a comfort foam upper layer above breathable gel foam for temperature control and a supportive high-density foam base.
How It Performed
This mattress is solid and firm, so takes some getting used to if you’re transitioning from a soft, bouncy or plush sleep surface. We loved how it cradled our contours as we moved in the night, bouncing back into shape and never creating an uneven sleep surface. Throughout testing, we experienced a marked reduction in neck and lower back pain, which is a huge result for a minimal price tag.
It’s Worth Noting
The edges lack support and don’t hold up well for sitting on the side of the bed—so much so it’s easy to slip off. It also lacked the cooling qualities of some of the other mattresses we tried, which is a big consideration for people (like our editor) who tend to sleep hot.
Product Details
- Type: Memory foam
- Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King
- Firmness Level: Firm
- Depth: 10 or 12 inches
- Delivery: In a box with free delivery
- Warranty and Return Policy: 30-day returns, 10-year warranty
Meet Our Tester
The editor who tested this mattress is a side, back, and stomach combination sleeper who shares the bed with a partner and often sleeps hot. They occasionally have trouble falling and staying asleep. They experience neck and lower back pain if they sleep in the same position for too long.
- Health / Jodi Espinosa
- Health / Jodi Espinosa
- Health / Dera Burreson
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Best Under $2,000
Plank Firm Luxe Hybrid Mattress
PHOTO: Plank
Who It’s Best For
The combination of hip-aligning support and plush pillow-top comfort is the perfect balance for stomach sleeping.
Who Should Skip It
Combination sleepers may find this mattress too firm for comfort while sleeping on their sides.
Why We Like It
From the moment we lay on this mattress in its firmest configuration, we fell in love with its combination of comfort and support (at least in a stomach-sleeping position). The rigidity of the edges allowed for an even distribution of weight in any position, offering excellent stability—even while sitting on the side of the bed.
What It’s Made Of
This hybrid mattress is built from a 13-gauge tempered steel coils base and high-density foam rails for sturdy edge support. The center of the mattress consists of 884 pocketed coils, which are firmer in the mid-section of the mattress to absorb body weight. Above that is a high-density foam lumber crown layer and a quilted pillow top for the sleep surface.
How It Performed
Though this mattress started out feeling a touch rigid for side sleeping, the combination of the stability of the coils and the softness of the pillow top was instantly perfect for stomach sleeping. And it only got more comfortable as the pillow top softened a little through time. Throughout testing we found we were sleeping better, waking feeling more refreshed, and we’ve noted a big reduction in partner disturbance as well as lower-back pain.
It’s Worth Noting
This mattress runs warmer than other options we tested. It is also pretty firm, so isn’t ideal for side or combination sleepers—though it did soften noticeably over the first few weeks.
Product Details
- Type: Hybrid
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split Cal King, Short Queen, Short King, Olympic Queen, RV King
- Firmness Level: Flippable: Firm (4/5) or Extra firm (5/5)
- Depth: 13.25 inches
- Delivery: In a box with free delivery
- Warranty and Return Policy: 120-night trial, 10-year warranty
Meet Our Tester
The tester of this mattress is a side and stomach combination sleeper who experiences lower back and hip pain. They share the bed with a partner who also experiences joint pain and requires good support from a not-too-firm mattress. They have trouble falling and staying asleep and often sleep hot.
Plank by Brooklyn Bedding Firm Mattress
PHOTO: Plank
$1,149 at AmazonView on Plankmattress.com
Who It’s Best For
If you move around the bed at night and are looking for a mattress that will cradle you in every sleep position, this could be the one for you.
Who Should Skip It
At “medium” firmness, this mattress is possibly not ideal for people who sleep entirely on their stomachs or who prefer more rigidity in their sleep surface.
Why We Like It
After lying on this mattress for the first time, we didn’t want to get up again. The firmness in the lower back and leg area kept spines aligned and delivered superb comfort in all sleeping positions. We felt instant pressure relief and could move around the bed while remaining comfortable wherever we’d end up.
What It’s Made Of
From the top down, this hybrid mattress features a quilted top with cooling fiber and layers of gel memory foam. The mid-section features a layer of foam above a foundation of individually wrapped coils within a reinforced edging and a high-density foam base.
How It Performed
While using this mattress, we felt instant decompression as we easily found comfort night after night. The hybrid design delivered excellent comfort and support while reducing partner disturbance. Our sleep quality improved dramatically (which was corroborated by a sleep app), and we’ve been waking up feeling more refreshed. We experienced a big reduction in neck and back pain, and we even noted an improvement in posture—which has helped with mood and energy levels throughout the day.
It’s Worth Noting
Throughout testing, we found very little to fault about this mattress. There were some issues around the delivery (wrong size), and the box was pretty beaten up, but the mattress itself was fine.
Product Details
- Type: Foam
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split Cal King, Short Full, Short Queen, Short King, Olympic Queen, RV King
- Firmness Level: Flippable: Medium-firm (3/5) or Firm (4/5)
- Depth: 9 or 11 inches
- Delivery: In a box
- Warranty and Return Policy: 120-night trial, 10-year warranty
Meet Our Tester
Our tester for this mattress is a side sleeper who moves around the bed a lot during the night. They experience lower back pain and often sleep hot. For this test, they transitioned from an old spring mattress.
Saatva Classic Mattress
PHOTO: Saatva
Who It’s Best For
The combination of hip-aligning support and plush pillow-top comfort is the perfect balance for stomach sleeping.
Who Should Skip It
Combination sleepers may find this mattress too firm for comfort while sleeping on their sides.
Why We Like It
From the moment we lay on this mattress in its firmest configuration, we fell in love with its combination of comfort and support (at least in a stomach-sleeping position). The rigidity of the edges allowed for an even distribution of weight in any position, offering excellent stability—even while sitting on the side of the bed.
What It’s Made Of
This hybrid mattress is built from a 13-gauge tempered steel coils base and high-density foam rails for sturdy edge support. The center of the mattress consists of 884 pocketed coils, which are firmer in the mid-section of the mattress to absorb body weight. Above that is a high-density foam lumber crown layer and a quilted pillow top for the sleep surface.
How It Performed
Though this mattress started out feeling a touch rigid for side sleeping, the combination of the stability of the coils and the softness of the pillow top was instantly perfect for stomach sleeping. And it only got more comfortable as the pillow top softened a little through time. Throughout testing we found we were sleeping better, waking feeling more refreshed, and we’ve noted a big reduction in partner disturbance as well as lower-back pain.
It’s Worth Noting
This mattress runs warmer than other options we tested. It is also pretty firm, so isn’t ideal for side or combination sleepers—though it did soften noticeably over the first few weeks.
Product Details
- Type: Hybrid
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, Cal King, Split Cal King
- Firmness Level: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, Firm
- Depth: 11.5 or 14.5 inches
- Delivery: White glove
- Warranty and Return Policy: 365-night trial, lifetime warranty
Meet Our Tester
The editor who tested this mattress is a stomach sleeper who shares the bed with a combination sleeper. They are prone to sleeping hot and experience neck and lower back pain.
- Health / Allison Mango
- Health / Ashleigh Morley
- Health / Allison Mango
Best Over $3000
Saatva Rx Mattress
PHOTO: Saatva
Who It’s Best For
If your current mattress exacerbates joint or muscular pain, we recommend this mattress as a possible game changer.
Who Should Skip It
The “supportive plush” firmness of this mattress is best suited to side sleepers and may not be the best choice for people who prefer a firmer sleep platform.
Why We Like It
From the handy white-glove delivery and old-mattress disposal services to the light airy feel of the mattress itself, the Saatva experience is quality through and through. Designed for people experiencing chronic joint conditions, the Saatva Rx offers the best of both worlds of softness and support. And in terms of pain reduction and the quality of rest to expect, it more than lived up to the manufacturer’s claims.
What It’s Made Of
This mattress features a stabilizing base beneath a layer of 8-inch pocketed recycled steel coils. Above each coil is a 2-inch foam module, which sits beneath a layer of 1-inch micro-coils. The top layers of high-density and gel-infused memory foam sit beneath a hypoallergenic quilted cotton sleep surface.
How It Performed
This mattress was so comfortable in every sleep position that it had us waking up earlier, feeling more refreshed after rest and ready for the day. Our spines felt perfectly aligned, the layers of coils and foam distributed our weight evenly and without pressure points, and in a very short time, our back pain disappeared completely. We’ve also noticed an improvement in posture, which we carry through the day. All in all, if you can afford this mattress, we 100% recommend it for not just the improvement in sleep quality, but the positive impacts on your general wellbeing.
It’s Worth Noting
After six months of use we rotated the mattress due to a slight dip forming in our regular sleep spot.
Product Details
- Type: Hybrid
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, Cal King
- Firmness Level: Medium (3/5)
- Depth: 15 inches
- Delivery: White glove delivery, in-room setup, and free mattress removal
- Warranty and Return Policy: 365-night trial, lifetime warranty
Meet Our Tester
The editor who tested this product is a side and stomach sleeper who experiences back pain after long days seated at work. They are prone to running hot at night, and sometimes have trouble falling asleep. They find it hard to get comfortable at night and often wake with back aches.
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- Health / Dera Burreson
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GhostBed Flex Hybrid Mattress
PHOTO: GhostBed
View on AmazonView on Ghostbed.com
Who It’s Best For
If you move around the bed at night and are looking for a mattress that will cradle you in every sleep position, this could be the one for you.
Who Should Skip It
At “medium” firmness, this mattress is possibly not ideal for people who sleep entirely on their stomachs or who prefer more rigidity in their sleep surface.
Why We Like It
After lying on this mattress for the first time, we didn’t want to get up again. The firmness in the lower back and leg area kept spines aligned and delivered superb comfort in all sleeping positions. We felt instant pressure relief and could move around the bed while remaining comfortable wherever we’d end up.
What It’s Made Of
From the top down, this hybrid mattress features a quilted top with cooling fiber and layers of gel memory foam. The mid-section features a layer of foam above a foundation of individually wrapped coils within a reinforced edging and a high-density foam base.
How It Performed
While using this mattress, we felt instant decompression as we easily found comfort night after night. The hybrid design delivered excellent comfort and support while reducing partner disturbance. Our sleep quality improved dramatically (which was corroborated by a sleep app), and we’ve been waking up feeling more refreshed. We experienced a big reduction in neck and back pain, and we even noted an improvement in posture—which has helped with mood and energy levels throughout the day.
It’s Worth Noting
Throughout testing, we found very little to fault about this mattress. There were some issues around the delivery (wrong size), and the box was pretty beaten up, but the mattress itself was fine.
Product Details
- Type: Hybrid
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
- Firmness Level: Medium (3/5)
- Depth: 13 inches
- Delivery: In a box with free delivery
- Warranty and Return Policy: 101-night trial, 25-year warranty
Meet Our Tester
The editor who tested this mattress moves a lot in their sleep and tends to sleep sideways in the bed. They share the bed with a partner some of the time and are prone to sleeping hot. They also experience post-workout lower-back pain.
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- Health / Dera Burreson
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Leesa Legend Chill Hybrid Mattress
PHOTO: Leesa
Who It’s Best For
If you’ve ever imagined a world where you’re never disturbed by your partner at night, this mattress is a big step towards that dream.
Who Should Skip It
The “medium” firmness of this mattress may not suit dedicated stomach sleepers who prefer a rigid platform.
Why We Like It
Dense and lush, firm yet forgiving, this mattress hugs your contours for a cushiony yet not overly bouncy feel. It’s firm enough that you don’t notice when your partner is moving, yet soft enough that you can find excellent support in all positions as you move around the bed.
What It’s Made Of
This hybrid mattress features dual spring layers for added stability and pressure relief. It has a quilted top that contains cooling fibers, and double layers of gel-infused and high-airflow foam for temperature control. It also has a high-density foam base for added stability.
How It Performed
This mattress delivered a superb balance of comfort and support. Our spines felt aligned in a variety of sleep positions, with our pressure points cradled. We found we were able to do away with support pillows under our torsos, and our legs felt less restless while dozing off. We noticed a reduction in partner disturbance to the point that we couldn’t even tell when they were getting in or out of bed. We also experienced a marked reduction in aches and pains and a noticeable improvement in sleep quality.
It’s Worth Noting
This is a very heavy mattress and is hard to move around. After carrying it upstairs, we dread the day we’ll ever need to carry it down them again.
Product Details
- Type: Hybrid
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
- Firmness Level: Medium (3/5)
- Depth: 13.5 inches
- Delivery: In a box with free delivery
- Warranty and Return Policy: 100-night trial, 10-year warranty
Meet Our Tester
The editor who tested this mattress is a stomach and occasional side sleeper. They share their bed with their partner, who moves a lot at night. They sleep hot, are prone to tossing and turning, and experience lower-back aches after a bad night’s sleep.
Purple RejuvenatePremier Mattress
PHOTO: Mattress World Northwest
View on PurpleView on Mattresswarehouse.com
Who It’s Best For
With spine alignment and cooling qualities that live up to the manufacturer claims, this exceptionally crafted mattress gets our check of approval for anyone who can afford the hefty price tag.
Who Should Skip It
At 18.5 inches high, this super-tall mattress won’t be the best choice for people with mobility issues.
Why We Like It
Hitting that “Goldilocks” level of comfort and support, the Purple RejuvenatePremier had considerable hype to live up to, and it did so in spades. The multiple layers of coils and foams delivered a cooling effect. The cloud-like support delivered a firm yet exceptionally comfortable feel. The plush surface allowed just the right amount of sink to let the decadent construction work its magic—distributing weight and aligning the spine with zero pressure points.
What It’s Made Of
This mattress is constructed using 5-zone edge-to-edge coils, plus several layers of Talalay latex, gel-infused foams and memory foam. It features rigid edge support and is covered in a pillowy quilted cover with an antimicrobial finish.
How It Performed
In this mattress’s cooling embrace, we’ve noticed a large reduction in back pain and stiffness and have recorded via sleep tracking an increase in deep sleep and a reduction in sleep interruptions. We’ve noticed a huge reduction in partner disturbance, are tossing and turning less, and waking up feeling better rested. All in all, we felt this mattress lived up to the hype. The only question is: can any improvement in sleep quality justify a several-thousand-dollar price tag?
It’s Worth Noting
At full price, this mattress retails for $7495—obviously out of the question for many shoppers. It’s also an incredibly tall mattress, which will likely require new fitted sheets to match, and might not be suitable for people with mobility issues.
Product Details
- Type: Hybrid
- Sizes: Twin XL, Queen, King, Split King, Cal King
- Firmness Level: Medium (3/5)
- Depth: 18.5 inch
- Delivery: White glove available
- Warranty and Return Policy: 100-night trial, 10-year warranty
Meet Our Testers
The testers who reviewed this mattress are stomach and combination sleepers who both move around the bed in various positions at night. They are both also prone to overheating and experience neck and back pain.
- Health / David Engler
- Health / David Engler
- Health / David Engler
Our Testing Process
Our testing team comprised editors who experience various sleep disturbances. Once delivered to our editors’ homes, all mattresses were set up according to manufacturer instructions, compressed mattresses were expanded, and we recorded observations around ease of set up, odors, and time taken.
Our testing team then spent at least four weeks (and often several more) sleeping on their designated mattresses, making daily notes on sleep quality and disruption, partner disturbance, temperature, and energy upon waking. We then collated their observations to give each mattress an overall rating out of five across categories like ease of setup and use, improvement in sleep duration and restfulness, comfort, support, performance over time, and value for money.
Our Experts
Before we started testing, first we spoke with board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor Angelie Mascarinas, MD, to help with our test methodology. We then interviewed several experts to help determine the characteristics to look for in mattresses for stomach sleepers. Our expert advisors include:
- Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, chief medical advisor at Sleepopolis
- Mira Tadros, DO, assistant professor of medicine (Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine) at the Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai.
- Theresa Marko, PT, DPT, MS, board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy, CEO & owner of Marko Physical Therapy, spokesperson for the American Physical Therapy Association Media Corps.
- Angelie Mascarinas, MD, a board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) doctor with fellowship training in interventional spine and musculoskeletal care, who practices at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City
Health’s Firmness Scale
At Health, we have our own firmness scale, where we rate mattresses from 1 to 5, from soft to extra firm. While you might see a mattress rating out of 10 when browsing manufacturer websites, we measure out of 5 because, in practice, there’s not much difference between all 10 levels of firmness. More importantly, you won’t see many mattresses at either extreme of the 10-scale. We’ve decided to keep our scale to the middle of that scale and rate them out of 5 so you know what to expect.
Firmness at a Glance | ||
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Firmness Level | Description | Who It’s Best For |
1 | Soft: These mattresses offer the lowest level of support and the highest level of “sinking in” | Potentially back and side sleepers; these may work for people in smaller bodies, but ultimately they won’t provide much support |
2 | Soft Plus: A soft sink with some added support for alignment, typically from coils | Sleepers looking for a lot of pressure relief around the shoulders and hips; people in smaller bodies |
3 | Medium: You’ll still have some level of sink, but your spine should be in alignment and well-supported | Side sleepers; will also work for most sleepers, aside from those who sleep exclusively on their stomachs |
4 | Firm: These offer sturdy support with very little sink | People with back pain who need a little extra alignment; stomach sleepers |
5 | Extra Firm: The highest level of support. You’ll find little to no conforming. | People with larger bodies or anyone who likes a firm sleeping surface |
Your Questions, Answered
Is a soft or firm mattress better for side and stomach sleepers?
“If you are a side sleeper, you might benefit from memory foam that contours to your body and relieves pressure off shoulder and hips,” Dr. Tadros says. If you are a stomach sleeper, on the other hand, you might want to avoid soft or plush mattresses and choose a mattress with more support. If you are a back sleeper, you might consider firmer memory foam or hybrid. This goes back to trying to keep the spine neutral.”
Do stomach sleepers need a special pillow?
Not necessarily, but it is advisable. Sleep specialist and chief medical advisor at Sleepopolis, Dr. Raj Dasgupta says that using a thin, low-loft pillow helps with head, neck and spine alignment through the night. He recommends the breathability of down or memory foam pillows, especially if you’re prone to overheating.
Is memory foam good for stomach sleepers?
“Memory foam can be a good option for stomach sleepers if it is on the firmer side, as it can provide support and contouring without excessive sinking,” says Dr. Dasgupta. “But very soft memory foam may not give you the necessary support and could exacerbate spinal alignment issues.”
Is it bad to sleep on your stomach?
“Stomach sleeping can lead to neck and back pain due to the unnatural alignment it forces on the spine,” says Dr. Dasgupta. “It can also increase pressure on internal organs and lead to discomfort and numbness in the limbs from improper circulation.”
Who We Are
Samson McDougall is a journalist, copywriter, editor and biology graduate. His work encompasses everything from web copy for science museums to sexual health articles for universities, info sheets for first-in-category pharmaceuticals to brand messaging for wearable touch therapy by neuroscientists. Samson is a hiker, biker, gardener and surfer, and has multiple injuries to show for his active lifestyle. He is a stomach and side sleeper and has been prone to insomnia, but having children fixed that.