Written by Tony Klespis, Staff Writer
Stomach sleepers may be harder to find than one might think. In fact, only about 7% of the adult population sleep on their stomachs, according to the National Sleep Foundation.
The rough news is that health professionals do not recommend stomach sleeping because it makes it difficult for the back to find a neutral spinal alignment and it’s rough on the neck as well. However, there is one positive: it helps with snoring!
I’ve tested hundreds of bedding products and put together of the best pillows for stomach sleepers. I considered 30 pillows before narrowing down the list to the top nine options. Keep scrolling to learn more about what stomach sleepers should look for in a pillow.
Our verdict: What’s the Best Pillow for Stomach Sleepers?
I named the Helix Down & Feather pillow as the best pillow for stomach sleepers. In my opinion, down pillows work really well for stomach sleepers because they compress easily. Stomach sleepers need a pillow that’s nice and flat, and because down can be molded and pressed flat, the Helix pillow should work well for a lot of stomach sleepers out there.
Our Top Picks for the Best Pillows for Stomach Sleepers
- Helix Down & Feather Pillow – Best Overall
- Saatva Latex Pillow – Best Hypoallergenic Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
- TEMPUR-Symphony – Best Pillow for Combination Sleepers
- Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow – Best Cooling Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
- Brooklinen Down Pillow – Best Down Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
- Luxome LAYR Pillow – Best Luxury Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
- Lagoon Chinchilla Pillow – Best Soft Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
- Nest Bedding Easy Breather – Best Memory Foam Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
- Coop Sleep Goods Original Pillow – Best Value Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
How We Choose Our Products
Stomach sleepers need thin pillows to keep their heads from craning upwards. If they have a pillow that’s too tall, they could develop neck pain. With this in mind, and the 100+ pillows tested at Mattress Clarity, I curated this list of the best pillows for stomach sleepers. I looked closely at thin pillows and those that have the ability to be modified to lower lofts.
Using proprietary hands-on testing, I’ve verified that each of these pillows have the ability to be low enough for stomach sleepers. For reference, the ideal height (or what I’ll refer to as loft) for stomach sleepers is no taller than 3″. Based on materials, price points, and ease of adjustability, this list represents nine of the best pillows for stomach sleepers.
Best Stomach Sleeper Pillows: Video Overview
Best Overall – Helix
Helix Down & Feather Pillow
Helix’s down and feather pillow combines the plush comfort of white down with supportive feathers at the center of the pillow. Its reinforced stitching around the perimeter of the pillow helps it retain its shape. It’s a great down pillow for those that love supportive pillows!
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
In my experience, down pillows are best for stomach sleepers. That’s because there’s a lot of air in between the down clusters and feathers, so it’s easy to get the pillow nice and flat. Stomach sleepers need pillows that are no taller than 3”, and the Helix Down & Feather pillow definitely fits the bill.
This pillow combines down clusters and feathers to maximize comfort and support. The innermost core of the pillow combines down (which are feather-like fibers) and actual feathers, giving the pillow some support. But it’s the outer chambers filled with down that give the pillow its fluffy, plush feeling.
When fully fluffed, this pillow is pretty tall, but once you put the weight of your head on it, it should flatten nicely.
What We Love About the Helix Down & Feather Pillow
- Down pillows can be quite expensive. When comparing the price of the Helix pillow to other down pillows, it’s fairly affordable. And Helix includes it in seasonal discounts, so you can often save money around big holidays.
- Its design makes it work well for stomach sleepers because down is easier to compress than other materials. But it should still work well for other sleeping positions, too.
- This is a soft, plush pillow that works well for those who prefer down pillows.
What to Keep In Mind About the Helix Down & Feather Pillow
- While this pillow has a cotton cover on the outside, there’s nothing specific in the construction intended for cooling. Down can be breathable, but it can also be a natural insulator. People who tend to sleep hot at night may want to consider getting one of the best cooling pillows.
- Down isn’t the best for those with sensitive allergies. It may trap allergens in your sleep environment.
Read the full Helix Down & Feather pillow review.
Best Hypoallergenic – Saatva
Saatva Latex Pillow
The Saatva Pillow has an organic cotton cover that is removable. Underneath is an outer pillow made up of hypoallergenic microfibers.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.80 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
If you wake up with watery eyes and a scratchy throat, your pillow could be the source of those allergy symptoms — especially if it contains down. So, if you’ve determined that your pillow is the source of allergies, getting a hypoallergenic pillow is key. Saatva’s natural latex pillow could help solve the problem.
This pillow contains natural and synthetic materials. The core of the pillow is shredded latex foam, which is surrounded by fluffy down alternative, and it’s all encased in a cotton cover. None of these materials are known to trap allergens, and the cover is removable and machine-washable for an added measure. It comes in two loft options, but the standard loft will work best for stomach sleepers.
You can even remove the latex core and make the pillow even flatter, which is ideal for stomach sleeping.
What We Love About the Saatva Latex Pillow
- The Saatva Latex pillow is soft, but remains supportive thanks to the latex core. As is, the pillow should work well for stomach sleepers, but you can remove the latex core to make it even flatter.
- The materials used in this pillow shouldn’t trap allergens, making it a good hypoallergenic option.
- Thanks to a number of breathable materials, this pillow shouldn’t trap a lot of heat.
What to Keep In Mind About the Saatva Latex Pillow
- At full price, this pillow costs around $165. Saatva doesn’t often include pillows in seasonal discounts, so it’s not the most budget-friendly choice.
Read the full Saatva Latex pillow review.
Best for Combination Sleepers – TEMPUR-Symphony
TEMPUR-Symphony Pillow
Made with classic TEMPUR memory foam, this dual-sided pillow is designed to work for all types of sleepers. The contoured side is made for back sleepers, while the flat side should suit side and stomach sleepers.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.20 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
The TEMPUR-Symphony pillow offers incredible comfort and a loft that keeps the spine well-aligned. This pillow has an arched contour side, and a flat traditional-shaped side. This unique shape makes it work well for combination sleepers.
The flat side works well for side and stomach sleepers, so if you switch between these two sleeping positions, you can keep the pillow on the flat side. This is a unique feature, since it’s difficult to find a product that suits both sleeping positions.
But if you have broader shoulders, you can always flip it over for that taller, curved side, too! It’s made of a single piece of TEMPUR-material, which has a classic, slow-moving feel.
What We Love About the TEMPUR-Symphony Pillow
- This pillow takes the guesswork out of getting a height that would work for both stomach and side sleeping.
- TEMPUR-Pedic offers a five-year limited warranty on this pillow.
- This pillow is great for fans of soft, but supportive pillows. The slow-moving TEMPUR material is slow-moving, so you’ll sink into the pillow, but still have support for your head and neck.
What to Keep In Mind About the TEMPUR-Symphony Pillow
- At full price, this pillow is $129, which might put it out of budget for some.
Read what I have to say about the most popular TEMPUR pillows.
Best Cooling – Brooklyn Bedding
Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow
Brooklyn Bedding’s Talalay Latex Pillow is a supportive and pressure relieving blended latex foam pillow. It has a ventilated core and removable soft knit cover. It comes in two loft options, making it a good choice for any sleep position.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.70 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
Latex is a great cooling material. It’s very breathable and won’t trap heat like traditional foam pillows will. Brooklyn Bedding’s Talalay latex pillow comes in a low loft option that’s perfect for stomach sleeping.
Talalay latex foam feels soft, bouncy, and responsive. You won’t sink far into this pillow, which will keep your head and neck in a neutral alignment while you sleep. This means that the foam won’t reflect your body heat back onto your head.
Plus, the Talalay latex foam has been perforated, which further promotes airflow throughout this pillow. It’s also encased in a breathable cotton cover!
What We Love About the Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow
- The combination of latex and cotton make this a great option for those who constantly need to flip over to the cold side of the pillow. It doesn’t trap heat.
- The low loft option of this pillow is ideal for stomach sleeping.
- One of the great things about Brooklyn Bedding products is that they’re made at a company-owned factory. This makes this pillow fairly affordable, and it’s even included in seasonal discounts.
What to Keep in Mind About the Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow
- Neither loft option of the Brooklyn Bedding Talalay latex pillow is particularly firm. If that’s what you’re looking for, take a look at my list of the best firm pillows.
Read the full Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex pillow review.
Best Down – Brooklinen
Brooklinen Down Pillow
Brooklinen’s Down pillow is a nice option for those who love the feel of down but want more than the typical amount of loft and support. Based on my experience, I think it’s best for side sleepers or those who want a good amount of thickness – perhaps individuals with larger body frames or broader shoulders.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.30 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
Down pillows have a tendency to deflate when you use them, thanks to their ability to be molded. Stomach sleepers who love the plush comfort of down clusters should look at the Brooklinen Down pillow.
This pillow comes in three different firmnesses, but I recommend the plush version for stomach sleepers. This pillow is soft enough for you to compress it to a low loft, which will help keep your head in a neutral position while you sleep on your stomach.
And while down can be an insulator, this pillow’s thin cotton cover makes it feel very breathable.
What We Love About the Brooklinen Down Pillow
- The plush firmness will allow stomach sleepers to compress the pillow enough to get a low loft.
- The down in this pillow has been ethically sourced.
- Many down pillows cost several hundred dollars, but the Brooklinen Down pillow is considerably more affordable.
- It’s a great option for people who love soft pillows. This pillow has a plush and cushiony feel.
What to Keep Mind About the Brooklinen Down Pillow
- Some down pillows can be fully machine-washed, making caring for them easy. However, Brooklinen only recommends spot cleaning or dry cleaning your pillow. Be sure to fully inspect the care instructions so you don’t ruin your pillow.
Read the full Brooklinen Down pillow review.
Best Luxury – LUXOME LAYR
Luxome LAYR Pillow
The LUXOME LAYR Pillow is a high-quality adjustable option that allows you to create your own comfort.
Our Expert’s Take
A great luxury pillow isn’t just comfortable. It offers special features that not just any pillow can provide. The LUXOME LAYR Pillow certainly fits the bill, and it wouldn’t earn a spot on this roundup if it wasn’t also ideal for stomach sleepers.
The best thing about this pillow is its adjustability. The LUXOME LAYR comes with special inserts that can be mixed and matched to change the pillow’s firmness. This means that stomach sleepers can select their own comfort and determine what’s best for their spine alignment.
With a luxurious bamboo cover, CertiPUR-US certified memory foam, and a STANDARD 100 OEKO-TEX certification, the LUXOME LAYR Pillow is a quality option for most people — no matter the sleeping position or body type.
What Makes the LUXOME LAYR Pillow Stand Out?
- With gel-infused memory foam and a breathable bamboo cover, the LAYR shouldn’t trap too much heat.
- The pillow comes with three adjustable inserts. This means you can have just one or two inside to make it flat enough for stomach sleeping.
- Depending on the inserts you have in the pillow, the firmness will be different, giving this pillow a wide appeal.
What to Keep In Mind About the LUXOME LAYR Pillow
- LUXOME currently doesn’t offer a warranty on the LAYR pillow. This may make some people hesitant to purchase it, considering its luxury price tag.
Read the full LUXOME LAYR pillow review.
Best Soft – Lagoon
Lagoon Chinchilla Pillow
The Lagoon Chinchilla Pillow is built to be lightweight and incredibly soft. There’s a microfiber fill for plushness, and this fill can be added or removed for adjustability.
Our Expert’s Take
If you’re a stomach sleeper who wants the softest, plushest pillow on the market, I can’t recommend the Lagoon Chinchilla enough.
Not only is this pillow full of soft, fluffy down alternative microfibers, it can be adjusted. This gives the pillow that classic, soft, fluffy feeling. But the fact that the Chinchilla can be adjusted means you can take out the fill to get it low enough for stomach sleeping.
Shredded foam pillows are good for hot sleepers because it’s easier for air to flow through the pillow. And there’s also a polyester and bamboo blend outer cover, which adds another layer of breathability. Bamboo is also moisture-wicking — perfect for hot sleepers.
What We Love About the Lagoon Chinchilla Pillow
- The fluffy down alternative fibers give this pillow a plush, soft feel.
- Customers have an impressive 100 nights to test the pillow out. If people love their Chinchilla pillow, it’s covered by an even longer five-year warranty.
- The bamboo and polyester cover can be machine-washed. It’s also breathable and moisture-wicking, which helps prevent the pillow from trapping heat.
What to Keep In Mind About the Lagoon Chinchilla Pillow
- Adjustable pillows are great for finding that “Goldilocks” feeling in your pillow. However, I advise caution when you go to adjust. If you’re not careful, it can be easy to make a mess with the inner fill.
Read my Lagoon Pillows review.
Best Memory Foam – Nest Bedding
Nest Bedding Easy Breather Natural Pillow
The Nest Bedding Easy Breather is a memory foam pillow that gives you that great contouring and allows you to perfectly adjust its loft.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.60 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
If you love that classic, slow-moving memory foam feel, then the Nest Bedding Easy Breather pillow is a great choice.
This pillow is full of shredded foam, and you can remove the foam to make it low enough for stomach sleeping. You’ll sink in a little bit, but will still get good support.
The foam is fairly eco-friendly, too! It has been Certi-PUR-US certified, meaning the foam is largely chemical free and won’t have a strong chemical smell out of the box.
What We Love About the Nest Easy Breather
- With the foam being shredded, and with a cooling cover on the outside, this pillow is a good option for hot sleepers.
- It has that classic, slow-moving feel that conforms to your head while being supportive. It can be adjusted to be low enough for stomach sleepers as well.
- This is an eco-friendly pillow.
What to Keep In Mind About the Nest Easy Breather
- Adjustable pillows are often messy business. Foam can get everywhere if you’re not careful.
- At full price, the Easy Breather costs around $120, which might be out of budget for some.
Read the full Nest Bedding Easy Breather pillow review.
Best Value – Coop Sleep Goods
Coop Sleep Goods Original Pillow
The Adjustable Shredded Memory Foam Pillow from Coop Sleep Goods is distinct in more than one way. The memory foam shredded filling is responsive and guarantees the pillow will never go flat, plus sleepers can remove as much filling as they like which makes it great for people who sleep in several positions.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.70 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
The Coop Sleep Goods Original pillow is a truly universal pillow, but what makes it my value pick is its combination of quality and affordability. You can find this pillow priced at $75 before discounts, which is much more affordable and some other pillows on the market.
While this pillow works well for back and side sleepers, stomach sleepers can enjoy this pillow by removing a good chunk of the memory foam fill. This will get the pillow to an appropriate loft (about 3” tall). If a pillow is too tall or too low, your head won’t be in a neutral position, which can cause neck pain later on.
Because it has a memory foam fill, it has that classic slow-moving feel, which provides plush comfort and great support.
What We Love About the Coop Sleep Goods Pillow
- The fill can be removed to make it an ideal height for stomach sleeping.
- It has a removable cover that is machine-washable and hypoallergenic.
- It’s ideal for budget shoppers and can be found on Coop Sleep Goods’ website and Amazon.
What to Keep In Mind About the Coop Sleep Goods Pillow
- Like many other adjustable pillows on this list, it can be really easy for the memory foam to become loose and get everywhere, causing a mess.
Read the full Coop Sleep Goods Original pillow review.
How to Find the Best Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
Loft
When it comes to picking a pillow that aids in stomach sleeping, the key is to avoid anything too thick that will add stress to the neck, experts say.
“Any pillow with high loft is going to push your neck back a little bit and give you neck pain or cause some discomfort in the lower back,” says Rocco Monto, MD, an orthopedic surgeon in Nantucket, Mass to Health.com.
Monto recommends choosing a pillow that’s about three inches thick; this ensures the spine stays aligned while snoozing.
Best Pillow Types and Materials for Stomach Sleepers
There are many different types of pillows that you can choose from, but certain types of pillows are better for stomach sleepers than others. We’ll go over the main types of pillows available and let you know how they work for people who sleep on their stomach.
- Memory foam – Memory foam pillows are more firm, dense, and generally thicker. Stomach sleepers should look for a shredded memory foam pillow or an adjustable foam pillow so they can adjust the loft to a more comfortable position. These pillows can offer great contouring and pressure relief.
- Latex – Latex pillows are similar to memory foam pillows, but with a more bouncy feel and more resilience. Latex pillows aren’t the best for stomach sleepers.
- Feather – Feather pillows are soft, lightweight, and usually have a lower loft. These pillows can make a great fit for stomach sleepers, though if you have allergies you may be affected by feather pillows.
- Down – Down pillows have a classic feel. Down pillows are a great fit for stomach sleepers since they are less dense than a memory foam or latex pillow.
- Down alternative – Down alternative pillows are a cheaper alternative to down pillows. They use synthetic materials and are naturally hypoallergenic. Down alternative pillows are also a good choice for people who sleep on their stomach.
- Buckwheat – Buckwheat pillows may be too firm for stomach sleepers, though some may enjoy the way these pillows conform to the shape of your head.
- Kapok – Kapok pillows feel similar to down and down alternative pillows, so they are also a good choice for stomach sleepers.
Pillow Cover
Keep in mind that when stomach sleeping, one’s face will be turned to the side and pressed against the pillow. Stomach sleepers, in particular, will want to think carefully about not only the filling and firmness of their pillows but the type of pillow cover as well. Here are some suggestions:
- If choosing a foam-based pillow, look for ventilated holes in the filling and a breathable outer cover. Many come made with phase change materials that will help draw heat away from the body while sleeping at night.
- If an individual’s face is sensitive, look for a pillow that is hypoallergenic. Some pillow covers are also blended with bamboo (like the Snuggle-Pedic) or copper (like the Layla pillow) that have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
- For those who are not big on texture, keep in mind that some pillows may have covers designed with a textured fabric that can be felt underneath a traditional pillow cover. Some also have cooling properties that make them feel cool to the touch. These can sometimes come through pillow covers as well, too.
Tips for Stomach Sleepers
Although stomach sleeping is the least common position, and the least recommended sleeping position, there are still many people who choose to sleep on their stomachs. On top of finding the right pillow, there are a few more things you can do to improve your alignment when you sleep on your stomach.
We’ll share a few tips for stomach sleepers that make the position a little more comfortable.
Use More Pillows
In addition to choosing a flatter pillow, sleep professionals also recommend adding a second pillow to the mix – but leaving it under the stomach or pelvis.
“Sleeping on your stomach can create stress on the back because the spine can be put out of position,” say experts from the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, New York. They suggest that placing a flat pillow under the stomach and pelvis area can help to keep the spine in better alignment.
Sleep on a Supportive Mattress
If you sleep on your stomach, it’s important that your mattress offers great support to help you maintain neutral alignment while you sleep. The best mattresses for stomach sleepers are firmer and more supportive. Hybrid mattresses with a solid support core and a soft top layer typically make a good fit for stomach sleepers.
Summary
In general, sleep professionals don’t recommend stomach sleeping because of the strain it can put on the back and the neck. That being said, if it’s what feels right, it’s worth picking a pillow that creates the most even spinal alignment possible.
Sleepers can do this by looking for a thinner or flatter pillow – preferably one with a profile no higher than three inches (this guideline may vary on personal preference). Adjustable pillows might be the best bet since sleepers can customize it to whatever feels good for them.
| Pillow | Best For |
| Helix Down & Feather Pillow | Best Overall |
| Saatva Latex Pillow | Best Hypoallergenic Pillow for Stomach Sleepers |
| TEMPUR-Symphony | Best Pillow for Back and Side Sleepers |
| Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow | Best Cooling Pillow for Stomach sleepers |
| Brooklinen Down Pillow | Best Down Pillow for Stomach Sleepers |
| Luxome LAYR Pillow | Best Luxury Pillow for Stomach Sleepers |
| Lagoon Chinchilla Pillow | Best Soft Pillow for Stomach Sleepers |
| Nest Bedding Easy Breather | Best Memory Foam Pillow for Stomach Sleepers |
| Coop Sleep Goods Original Pillow | Best Value Pillow for Stomach Sleepers |
The Best Pillows for Stomach Sleepers FAQs
What type of pillow is best for stomach sleepers?
I’ll say it over and over again – the flatter and the softer the pillow, the better it will be for stomach sleepers. This pillow needs to support the head while providing the least amount of added strain to the neck.
Are down pillows good for stomach sleepers?
Yes, a soft and fluffy down pillow could be a good option for stomach sleepers who don’t have allergies and love that luxurious feel that down provides. Keep in mind that other pillow fillings will work as well – the main factor to consider is how much filling is inside the pillow and how much support it provides – the softer and the flatter, the easier it will be on a stomach sleeper’s neck.
Where do you put a pillow when sleeping on your stomach?
Experts believe that stomach sleepers should place a flat pillow under the head for support – and then in order to help alleviate strain on the lower back – the sleeper can place another flat pillow under the pelvis to give it a more neutral position.
