Best Mattresses For Stomach Sleepers

Do you love sleeping on your stomach? You’re certainly not alone! While it’s not the most common sleeping position (side sleepers tend to dominate), plenty of people find lying on their front to be incredibly comfortable.

According to our ‘Big Irish Sleep Survey’, about 15% of respondents said sleeping on their stomach was their go-to position.

However, if you’re a stomach sleeper, you’ve probably heard about the potential downsides—things like neck strain, back pain, and hip discomfort.

The good news is, with the right mattress, you can still enjoy this position without waking up sore. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about choosing the best mattress for stomach sleepers, so you can keep snoozing soundly.

Why Choosing the Right Mattress Matters for Stomach Sleepers

Believe it or not, stomach sleeping can put a fair bit of strain on your body. When you sleep on your front, your head usually turns to one side, which can lead to neck pain. Your spine can also be pushed out of alignment, especially if your mattress is too soft. That said, finding the perfect mattress can make all the difference.

I’ve had my fair share of mattresses over the years, and let me tell you—some have made stomach sleeping feel like a dream, while others left me aching. After all, nobody wants to wake up feeling worse than when they went to bed, right? So, how do you find the best mattress for stomach sleeping?

What to Look for in a Mattress for Stomach Sleepers

1. Firmness Level: Go for Firmer Support

The truth is, if you’re sleeping on your front, a firmer mattress is usually the way to go. Why? Because a firm surface helps keep your spine aligned. A mattress that’s too soft will let your hips and stomach sink too much, which throws off your spinal alignment and can lead to back pain.

Tip: Look for a mattress that’s medium-firm to firm. This level of support ensures your body stays level with your head, preventing that dreaded “sinking in” feeling.

Personally, I’ve found that switching to a firmer mattress made a world of difference. I used to sleep on a softer one, thinking it was cosier, but I was constantly waking up with lower back pain. Once I upgraded to a firmer mattress, those issues practically disappeared.

2. Spinal Alignment: Keeping Everything in Check

Spinal alignment is key for front sleepers. If your hips sink too far into the mattress, your lower back will arch unnaturally, causing discomfort. Ideally, you want a mattress that supports your midsection and keeps your body aligned from head to toe.

Tip: Pay attention to how your body feels when you’re lying on your stomach. Do you feel like your hips are sagging? If so, you might need a firmer mattress.

3. Pressure Relief: Balance Comfort and Support

While firmness is important, you don’t want a mattress that feels like you’re sleeping on a plank of wood. Finding the balance between support and pressure relief is crucial. Some mattresses offer softer top layers with firm cores, providing both comfort and support.

Tip: Look for mattresses that combine firmer support with softer, pressure-relieving layers, particularly around the neck, shoulders, and hips.

The Best Mattress Types for Stomach Sleepers

So, what are the best types of mattresses for stomach sleepers? Let’s take a look at three of the top contenders: pocket sprung, hybrid, and memory foam.

DFI Recommends: Pocket Sprung Mattress

The pocket sprung mattress contains hundreds of individual springs, each sewn into its own pocket of fabric.

The advantage of this is that the springs within a pocket sprung mattress operate independently of one another, respond to your weight, shape, movement and sleeping position and providing effective weight distribution, which means it is the best mattress for stomach sleepers as it helps keep your spine in alignment by ensuring your head and the rest of your body are in line.

Pocket Sprung Mattresses: Responsive and Supportive

Pocket sprung mattresses are a fantastic option for front sleepers. These mattresses are made up of individual springs, each sewn into its own fabric pocket. This means the springs move independently of each other, responding to your body’s shape and movement.

Why Pocket Sprung is Great for Stomach Sleepers:

• Even weight distribution: The individual springs adjust to your body, ensuring proper support across your midsection.

• Spine alignment: The firmness of the mattress helps keep your spine in a neutral position.

• Personalised comfort: If you’ve got a partner who sleeps on their side, the independent springs mean both of you can be comfortable, no matter your position.

I once slept on a pocket sprung mattress at a hotel and was shocked by how well it supported my body, even after a long night on my front. I woke up feeling refreshed, with none of the usual stiffness I’d expect from a hotel bed.

Hybrid Mattresses: The Best of Both Worlds

Hybrid mattresses combine the best of pocket sprung and memory foam mattresses. They typically have a supportive core (often pocket springs) with a memory foam or latex top layer.

For stomach sleepers, this can be a great compromise between firmness and cushioning.

Why Hybrid Mattresses Work for Stomach Sleepers:

• Comfort and support: The memory foam top layer provides a soft surface, while the springs underneath give firm support.

• Pressure relief: Memory foam contours to your body, reducing pressure points on your neck and shoulders while keeping your hips supported.

• Durability: The combination of materials tends to last longer and resist sagging.

If you’re like me and enjoy a bit of cushion without sacrificing support, a hybrid mattress might be your best bet. I’ve found that they strike a nice balance between softness and structure.

Memory Foam Mattresses: Contouring Comfort

Memory foam mattresses are famous for their pressure-relieving properties. The foam adapts to your body’s shape and distributes weight evenly, which can be beneficial for stomach sleepers who need that extra cushioning. 

Why Memory Foam is Good for Stomach Sleepers:

• Contouring support: Memory foam adapts to your body, supporting the natural curve of your spine.

• Pressure relief: It can alleviate pressure on your neck, shoulders, hips, and knees.

• Spine alignment: Memory foam keeps your spine in a neutral position, which is crucial for stomach sleepers.

That said, not all memory foam mattresses are created equal. You’ll want one that’s firmer, as softer models may lead to too much sinkage.

I’ve tried a few memory foam mattresses, and the firmer ones definitely provide the right balance between softness and support.

Key Considerations When Shopping for a Mattress

Before you rush out and buy a new mattress, here are a few extra things to keep in mind:

1. Durability

A good mattress should last between 7-10 years. Pay attention to the materials used—pocket sprung and hybrid mattresses tend to be more durable than pure memory foam options.

2. Mattress Thickness

Thicker mattresses often provide better support. Aim for something at least 25cm thick for proper support if you’re a front sleeper.

3. Cooling Properties

Memory foam can trap heat, so if you tend to get hot at night, look for cooling technologies like gel-infused foam or breathable hybrid designs.

Finding Your Ideal Mattress for Stomach Sleeping

In the end, the perfect mattress for stomach sleepers is one that offers the right level of support and pressure relief. Whether you go for a firm pocket sprung mattress, a supportive hybrid, or a contouring memory foam option, the key is to ensure that your spine stays aligned and your body feels supported.

For me, switching to a firmer mattress was a game-changer for my comfort as a stomach sleeper. I no longer wake up with that awful lower back ache, and I can finally sleep through the night without tossing and turning.

Remember, investing in a good mattress now can save you years of discomfort later. So, if you’re a stomach sleeper, take the time to find the one that works best for you—you won’t regret it!

Mattresses for other sleeping positions

Learn more about the best mattresses for other sleeping positions by checking out the posts below:

Best mattress for side sleepers

Best mattress for back sleepers