Best Pillow for Stomach Sleepers

Contrary to popular belief, most stomach sleepers don’t sleep face-down on their mattresses through the night — unless their bed is a massage table with a built-in face cradle. Stomach sleepers most often sleep with their necks turned to one side. This can make finding the best pillow for stomach sleepers tricky if you’re unaware of what you need from a pillow. 

If you are a stomach sleeper, finding the right pillow is extremely important. Without the proper support from your mattress and pillow, stomach sleeping can put extra pressure on your spine, leading to pain and discomfort in your neck and lower back.

If you sleep on your stomach and often wake up with a crick in your neck or pain in your lower back, you’re experiencing bad pillow symptoms. In other words, you’re not getting the best sleep possible due to a bad pillow. So, how can a stomach sleeper sleep better? Just as you should prioritize finding the best mattress for stomach sleepers, you should invest in a quality pillow that is made to accommodate your sleeping position.

Stomach sleepers: you can find everything you need at Texas Mattress Makers. Our experts will match you with a mattress and a pillow that will allow you to continue sleeping on your tummy comfortably so you can wake up pain-free. 

Should stomach sleepers sleep without a pillow?

Stomach sleeping is the only position that does not always require a pillow. Why is this? When you lie on your belly, your spine is not in a neutral position, which causes strain as you sleep. On top of that, your neck has to be completely turned to one side so that you can breathe. If you use a pillow as a stomach sleeper, your neck can often be craned at an unnatural angle. Sleeping without a pillow can actually put less strain on your neck as you sleep.

However, this is not always recommended for every sleeper.

The point of a pillow is to support your head and neck as you sleep, closing any gaps between your head and the mattress to keep your spine aligned. Spine alignment is the key to waking up without any aches and pains. If you find the right pillow for you as a stomach sleeper, you can get the quality rest your body needs.

Here is how you can find the best pillow for stomach sleepers. 

What kind of pillow should stomach sleepers use?

When shopping for a pillow, it’s important to understand what you need from a pillow as a stomach sleeper. Let’s be clear: there is not one sole best pillow for stomach sleepers. Different kinds of pillows can help you get the comfort and support you need. Therefore, you need to find a pillow that will promote proper spine alignment and keep your head and neck supported to minimize pain.

When choosing a pillow for yourself as a stomach sleeper, consider the following features:

• Height: How thick should a pillow be for stomach sleepers? A thin pillow that is no taller than three inches is ideal for keeping your neck and spine aligned as you sleep. This way, your neck won’t be at an unnatural angle that can cause discomfort.
• Firmness: Is soft or firm better for stomach sleepers? A softer pillow with healthy support will conform to your head and be comfortable for your face. Remember, support is still necessary for spinal alignment!
• Materials: The word “breathable” should guide you when choosing a pillow. Because your nose and mouth will be in contact with the pillow, opting for cleaner and hypoallergenic materials such as latex or bamboo can minimize irritation and allergens for better breathing. Cooling technology can also be beneficial to keep you as comfortable as possible.

If you were to search for the types of pillows a stomach sleeper should get, you might see suggestions like “try a wedge-shaped pillow” or “add a second pillow under your pelvis!” In our expert opinion, these actions aren’t necessary if you find the right pillow.

Although there is not one single best pillow for stomach sleepers with back pain to solve all of your problems, finding a pillow that suits you, your sleeping position, and your needs can alleviate pain and help you stay comfortable all night long.

Want to find the best pillow for side sleepers? Check out our blog.

Stomach Sleepers: Purchase Your Dream Mattress at Texas Mattress Makers

Sleeping on your stomach doesn’t have to cause you discomfort. With the right tools — your mattress and your pillow — you can wake up every morning feeling refreshed and pain-free. 

If you need guidance on finding the best pillow for stomach sleepers for your needs, the experts at Texas Mattress Makers are here to help you. While many sleepers may neglect to invest in a quality pillow, it can change the quality of your sleep for the better. The right pillow can alleviate aches and pains in your neck and shoulders as you sleep soundly on your stomach.

If you’re ready to upgrade your sleep quality today with the best pillow you can find on the market, visit any of our Houston-area mattress stores today. 

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

• Sleep Accessories: Helpful or Hoax?
• Solutions for the Most Common Sleep Problems
• The Expert’s Guide to Mattress Accessories
• How to Find a Good Quality Mattress
• 4 Signs You Are a Hot Sleeper