Best Pillows for Stomach Sleepers (2023)

By Loren Bullock

Apr 24th, 2023

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Stomach sleeping is often regarded as the least healthy sleeping position. In fact, many doctors recommend that you try and change positions if you sleep on your front.

But, us stomach sleepers find this position extremely comfortable, so it is crucial to have the proper pillow. We’ve found some of the best pillows for stomach sleepers and compiled them into this list. We also tell you about what to look for in a stomach sleeping pillow to help your pillow-shopping process along.

Best Pillows for Stomach Sleepers: Our Top Picks

Lagoon The Chinchilla Pillow

Lagoon Chinchilla Pillow

Best Pillow Overall for Stomach Sleepers

For a stomach sleeper, what could be better than an ultra-soft pillow cradling your face and neck as you drift off? Lagoon’s Chinchilla pillow is filled with “Softy” down alternative microfiber designed to feel airy and fluffy. It’s also adjustable, so you can easily remove pieces of fill until you reach the loft that leaves you comfortably aligned.

 

The Chinchilla should also provide great breathability. The cover is a bamboo/polyester blend, and the liner is a blend of bamboo and cotton. Cleaning is a breeze, since every part of the pillow is machine-washable—cover, liner, and fill.

 

  • Prices: $119.99 (queen), $139.99 (king)
  • Sizes: Queen (20″ x 30″), king (“20 x 36”)
  • Customer Rating: 4.8/5, 11 reviews

 

Read our full Lagoon Chinchilla Pillow review.

Nolah AirFiber Pillow

Nolah AirFiber Pillow

Best Down Alternative Pillow for Stomach Sleepers

If traditional down pillows ruffle your feathers, Nolah has a super-soft alternative. The company’s proprietary AirFiber filling is the key ingredient in the Nolah AirFiber Pillow, which you can mold into just the right shape to support your stomach sleeping position. The pillow is designed to contour under pressure and help keep you comfortably aligned as you sleep.

 

In addition, the Nolah AirFiber Pillow has cooling features built right in. The AirFiber is woven from temperature-neutral polyester fibers, and the cotton cover is infused with phase-change material designed to absorb and release heat.

 

  • Price: $79
  • Size: Queen (20″ x 30″)
  • Customer Rating: 4.7/5
Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow

Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow

Best Adjustable Pillow for Stomach Sleepers

What separates the Coop Home Goods Eden from similar products is the use of features that provide easy adjustability (interlocking cases) and even distribution of fill (a gusset around the edge of the pillow). Beyond the fancy terminology, though, the Eden has all the building blocks of a quality pillow designed for stomach sleepers.

 

The fill is made from medium-soft memory foam (also infused with cooling gel) for pressure relief in the neck and upper back. Just remove or add fill until the pillow has the right loft and firmness to keep you aligned comfortably.

 

  • Prices: $96 (queen), $116 (king)
  • Sizes: Queen (20″ x 30″), king (20″ x 36″)
  • Customer Rating: 4.9/5, 2,904 reviews

 

Read our full Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow review.

saatva pillow

Saatva Latex Pillow

Best Latex Pillow for Stomach Sleepers

The key feature of the Saatva Latex Pillow is the core of shredded natural latex, a material known for providing pressure relief and responsiveness. The latex core is designed to cushion the head and neck with buoyant, balanced support. It’s complemented by a removable inner pillow made of breathable organic cotton and a cotton sateen cover.

 

Fresh out of the package, the loft of the Saatva Latex Pillow might seem too high for stomach sleeping. However, you can remove the inner pillow and lower the profile to a height you feel more comfortable with.

 

  • Prices: $165 (queen), $185 (king)
  • Sizes: Queen (18″ x 28″), king (18″ x 34″)
  • Customer Rating: 4.8/5, 153 reviews

 

Read our full Saatva Latex Pillow review.

belly sleep stomach sleeper pillow

Belly Sleep Pillow

Best Pillow for Stomach Sleepers with Neck Pain

Waking up sore and full of aches? The Belly Sleep pillow by Belly Sleep boasts spine alignment as its primary feature. This thin pillow was made for stomach sleepers especially: the curved edges ensure uniform pressure and a neutral position for your head, neck, and spine. On top of that, the firmness of the Belly Sleep pillow is a perfect combination of soft and firm—it sinks and reduces pressure.

 

Its bamboo/polyester combo cover wicks away sweat and excess moisture during the night, but this won’t cause odor thanks to its antibacterial properties. The cover is also removable for easy care and machine washability.

 

  • Price: $39.99
  • Size: 16″ x 28″
  • Customer Rating: 4.5/5, 934 reviews

Why Buy a Pillow for Stomach Sleepers?

About 7% of the population sleep on their stomachs. This is super low compared to the approximate 70% of people who are side sleepers and 13% who sleep on their backs. Because it’s a rare position, most products aren’t naturally suited for stomach sleepers. 

Stomach sleepers have unique needs, so a “one-size-fits-all” style pillow may not do the trick. If you sleep on your stomach, you need a pillow that is low-lofted with a soft firmness. This will allow stomach sleepers to maintain proper alignment and reduce pressure on the lower spine.

Related: Best mattress for stomach sleepers

Should You Use a Pillow as a Stomach Sleeper?

There is debate as to whether stomach sleepers even need a pillow at night. Pillows can cause unnecessary neck and back strain if the loft is too high. But if you find sleeping without a pillow to be an impossibility, there are proper ways to use pillows as a stomach sleeper.

When it comes to proper alignment, the best way to sleep on a stomach pillow is with your forehead resting on the pillow. This allows room for you to breathe but no unnecessary strain on your neck. Experts also recommend placing a pillow under your pelvis to create a curve in your spine.

What to Look for in a Stomach Sleeping Pillow

Buying the right pillow can take away a lot of pain and improve sleep for stomach sleepers. Here are some things to look for.

Loft

Thin pillows or pillows with a low loft are the best option for stomach sleepers. A low loft is considered to be a height of less than 3 inches. If front sleepers use a pillow with a loft that is too high, it will cause excess strain on the neck. Choosing a thin pillow will ensure better neck alignment.

It is also possible to choose a pillow with a medium loft, but a deep sink, as long as your head is in line with the rest of your spine.

Firmness

When it comes to firmness, the thinner the pillow, the firmer it should be. The pillow should still hold your head up to be in line with the rest of your body. If your prefer the feel of a soft pillow, makes sure the sink doesn’t align your head too high or too low.

Also, when it comes to soft pillows, be careful of suffocation. As your head sinks into the pillow, each side rises to frame your face. Too much plush, it could block your airways.

Material

  • Memory Foam: Memory foam pillows work well for stomach sleepers because they contour to your specific head shape. Memory foam is also known for being extremely supportive. Shredded memory foam, in particular, is known for keeping its shape longer and is more malleable.
  • Latex: Latex pillows are very similar to memory foam pillows except they are more natural and buoyant. Latex is also a naturally cool material. However, many latex pillows do not come in lofts low enough for stomach sleepers. But if you find one that does, try it out.
  • Down: Down pillows are often soft and moldable—perfect for a sleep position that often moves around throughout the night. Down is a great option for front sleepers who want a hotel luxury pillow.
  • Feather: Pillows with a feather fill are often a mix of feather and down. The feather addition creates a firmer feel and a plush pillow. Their moldability makes the loft adjustable. Feather pillows also last longer than most other pillow materials.

Cost

The cost of a good stomach sleeper pillow can range anywhere from $35 to $100. Material and size will play the biggest role in the price differential, feather and memory foam being the cheapest, down and latex being the more expensive options.

Recap: Best Pillows for Stomach Sleepers

Compare our top picks below:

Pillow Award Customer Rating
Chinchilla Pillow Best Overall 4.8/5
Nolah AirFiber Pillow Best Down Alternative 4.7/5
Coop Home Goods Eden Best Adjustable Pillow 4.9/5
Saatva Latex Pillow Best Latex Pillow 4.8/5
Belly Sleep Pillow Best for Neck Pain 4.5/5

When it comes to pillows for stomach sleepers, shoppers should look for thinner pillows with a supportive, adjustable, or contouring filling. The best way to use your stomach sleeper pillow is to lie your forehead on it and place another pillow under your pelvis. Using a pillow specifically made for front sleepers can ease neck and back pain, as well as next-day drowsiness.