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People who sleep on their stomachs may prefer to use a pillow that adapts to their sleeping position. This article explores some of the best pillows for stomach sleepers, including those with certain health conditions, such as neck pain or allergies.
- Best adjustable pillow: JOLLYVOGUE Two-Pack Hypoallergenic Pillows | Skip to review
- Best hypoallergenic pillow: Xtreme Comforts Hypoallergenic Bamboo Memory Foam Pillow | Skip to review
- Best down pillow: Downlite Extra-Soft Down Pillow | Skip to review
- Best slim pillow: Elite Rest Ultra Slim Sleeper Pillow | Skip to review
- Best for neck pain: Hermell Face-Down Wedge Pillow | Skip to review
- Best for cooling: Bluewave Bedding Super-Slim, Gel-Infused Memory Foam Pillow | Skip to review
- Best eco-friendly pillow: Saatva Latex Pillow | Skip to review
- Best pillow for stomach and side sleepers: Coop Home Goods Body Pillow | Skip to review
- Best antimicrobial pillow: Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow – Low Loft | Skip to review
- Best for travel: Tempur-Pedic TempurCLOUD Pillow | Skip to review
- Best down alternative pillow: Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow | Skip to review
According to
Different sleeping positions may have varying effects on a person’s health. However,
Regardless of a person’s preferred sleep position, researchers know that quality sleep can significantly improve mental and physical well-being. Using a good pillow can help with this.
People who experience neck pain may benefit from using specialist pillows. However, pillows are not a replacement for medical treatment — if a person experiences persistent neck pain despite changing pillows, they should speak with a doctor.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best adjustable pillow: JOLLYVOGUE Two-Pack Hypoallergenic Pillows
- Price: from around $40
- Sizes: standard, queen, and king
- Materials: polyester and microfiber
This pack of two pillows has zippered inner cores, which allow a person to adjust the loft of the pillow.
The manufacturer describes these pillows as plush, claiming they may suit a variety of sleeping positions, including stomach sleeping.
The fill comprises polyester, a hypoallergenic substance, with microfiber. This means it is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. According to the company, the outer cover is also hypoallergenic.
These pillows come with free delivery and returns and a 1-year warranty.
Best hypoallergenic pillow: Xtreme Comforts Hypoallergenic Bamboo Memory Foam Pillow
- Price: from around $23
- Sizes: standard, queen, and king
- Materials: memory foam and bamboo
This dust mite-resistant, hypoallergenic pillow is around 5 inches (in) high. The company says this is much smaller than standard pillows and may be suitable for stomach sleepers needing slimmer, supportive pillows for their head and neck.
The cover uses Micro-Vented Kool-Flow Technology, which reportedly improves breathability and keeps the sleeping surface cool.
Additionally, the memory foam is CertiPUR-US certified, meaning it has undergone testing for safety and does not emit harmful gases or substances. The company also states it is GREENGUARD Gold certified. This indicates that the pillow meets strict third-party emissions standards that aim to reduce the amount of indoor pollution people are exposed to.
A person can get this pillow with free shipping and returns.
Best down pillow: Downlite Extra-Soft Down Pillow
- Price: from around $85
- Sizes: standard and queen
- Materials: duck down and cotton
This down pillow is soft and slim, featuring a hypoallergenic duck down filling.
Downlite has received a Responsible Down Standard certification. This means Downlite uses suppliers that do not harm the animals used for down.
While down is a very soft material, it is unsuitable for people following a vegan lifestyle or those with allergies to down. Additionally, it is more expensive than other materials, such as microfiber.
The brand also warns that this is not a supportive pillow but is specifically designed for stomach sleepers. The company writes that people who find soft pillows too firm may find this pillow suitable. Downlite describes the feel of this pillow as similar to sleeping on a down comforter.
It is machine washable and ships for free.
Best slim pillow: Elite Rest Ultra Slim Sleeper Pillow
- Price: around $58
- Sizes: standard
- Materials: memory foam and cotton
At 2.5 in thick and weighing 2.12 pounds (lb), the Elite Rest Ultra Slim Sleeper Pillow may be a suitable option for traveling. There is also a 3-inch thickness available, weighing 2.29 lb.
The pillow consists of memory foam, and the outer cover is made of cotton.
The company writes that it is hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, and bed bug resistant.
It comes with free shipping and returns.
Best pillow for neck pain: Hermell Face-Down Wedge Pillow
- Price: from around $40
- Sizes: 17 in x 14 in x 6 in or 29 in x 14 in x 6 in
- Materials: memory foam, polyester, and cotton
Stomach sleepers with neck pain may find it helpful to sleep face down to keep the neck muscles and spine in a neutral position. This Hermell pillow is designed specifically for this sleeping position, claiming it keeps the spine aligned and relieves pressure from the lower back.
This pillow has a cutout section where a person places their head and grooves on one side to reduce pressure on the bust. A person can flip the pillow to choose the most comfortable side.
The pillow is thicker at the top end of the pillow. These features allow stomach sleepers to sleep face down without putting pressure on their neck and back.
At its highest point, this pillow is 6 in tall.
A person can get free delivery for this pillow.
Best for cooling: Bluewave Bedding Super-Slim, Gel-Infused Memory Foam Pillow
- Price: from around $40
- Sizes: standard and king
- Materials: Tencel, polyester, memory foam, bamboo, and CarbonBlue
This pillow has a height of 2.5–3.25 in.
It features a ventilated gel core, which the company claims absorbs excess heat and draws it away from the sleeping surface. The ventilation holes aim to increase airflow through the pillow. This can help people stay cool while they sleep.
Buyers can also choose a maximum cooling option, which features a proprietary CarbonBlue coating. The company claims this coating offers instant cooling effects with carbon graphite particles working to regulate a person’s temperature as they sleep.
The company claims it uses CertiPUR-US-certified foam.
Best eco-friendly pillow: Saatva Latex Pillow
- Price: $165–185
- Sizes: queen and king
- Materials: latex and cotton
According to Saatva, this hypoallergenic pillow is soft, dense, and flat.
Its cover consists of cotton, while the fill uses shredded Talalay latex. The company writes that this shredded fill allows air to flow throughout the pillow, helping cool a person down as they sleep.
Saatva claims it holds Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), which ensures fabrics are at least 95% organic, do not contain toxic substances or dyes, and are manufactured using responsible environmental practices.
Due to its height, this pillow may suit individuals who sleep on their stomachs and sides.
Although Saatva writes that its latex is hypoallergenic and washed five times to remove allergy-inducing proteins, it may not be suitable for people with a latex allergy.
The pillow comes with free shipping, free 45-day returns, and a 1-year warranty.
Best pillow for stomach and side sleepers: Coop Home Goods Body Pillow
- Price: from $99
- Sizes: 54 in x 20 in x 7 in
- Materials: viscose rayon, polyester, memory foam, and microfiber
Using body pillows may help stomach sleepers keep their spine in a neutral position while they sleep, as they can provide full-body support.
This pillow may also suit individuals who change their sleeping positions while they sleep, as the amount and placement of the fill are adjustable. Coop writes that it is suitable for side sleepers.
This body pillow consists of shredded memory foam and a cooling gel, which the company claims draws heat away from the sleeping surface. The cover comprises polyester and bamboo-derived rayon.
Additionally, the company states it holds CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certifications.
It comes with free shipping and returns, a 5-year warranty, and a 100-night trial. A person can also buy a pillow and protector set for an extra fee.
Best antimicrobial pillow: Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow – Low Loft
- Price: $129–$149
- Sizes: queen and king
- Materials:memory foam
This pillow comes in a 4-in low loft version that the product website describes as ideal for stomach sleepers. The low profile helps keep a person’s head, neck, and shoulders in a healthy alignment.
This memory foam pillow is infused with a cooling gel and copper-infused foam, which reportedly pulls body heat away and is antimicrobial.
Brooklyn Bedding state that the pillow is hypoallergenic and resistant to mold, bacteria, and dust mites. The pillow cover is machine-washable.
The company offers a 30-day trial period and a 3-year warranty.
Best for travel: Tempur-Pedic TempurCLOUD Pillow
- Price: $89
- Sizes: 24 x 15.75 x 5 in
- Materials:TEMPUR material
Containing the manufacturer’s proprietary TEMPUR® material, this polyurethane foam pillow is easily compressible. A person can roll it up, tie it with a belt or scarf, place it in a suitcase, and it will reportedly fluff up to its proper size quickly.
The product website states that it has an extra-soft feel and is a good choice for stomach and back sleepers. It comes with a washable, polyester knit cover and fits a standard or queen-sized pillowcase.
The pillow has a 5-year warranty, and the company offers free standard shipping for pillows. Tempur-Pedic does not accept pillow returns.
Best down alternative pillow: Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow
- Price: $145–$160
- Sizes: standard and king
- Materials:plant-based down fill, cotton cover
This vegan pillow is filled with what the website describes as two layers of plant-based down. The inner layer has a firm density that may help support healthy spinal alignment. The outer layer provides comfort and pressure relief.
The cover is 100% cotton. The pillow is OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified. The company states that the pillow is machine-washable.
People can choose between a 7 and 4-in height, with the 4-in option reportedly the most comfortable for stomach sleepers.
Sweet Zzz offers free shipping, a 50-day return policy, and a 1-year warranty.
The table below compares each of the pillows in this article for price, materials, warranty, and more.
Sizes available | Materials | Certifications | Warranty | Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
JOLLYVOGUE | • standard • queen • king | • polyester • microfiber | none | 1 year | from around $40 |
Xtreme Comforts | • standard • queen • king | • memory foam • bamboo | • CertiPUR-US • GREENGUARD Gold | none | from around $23 |
Downlite | • standard • queen | • duck down • cotton | Responsible Down Standard | none | from around $85 |
Elite Rest | standard | • memory foam • cotton | none | none | around $58 |
Hermell | • 17 in x 14 in x 6 in • 29 in x 14 in x 6 in | • memory foam • polyester • cotton | none | none | from around $40 |
Bluewave Bedding | • standard • king • 2.25–3.25 in height | • Tencel • polyester • memory foam • bamboo • CarbonBlue | CertiPUR-US | none | from around $40 |
Saatva | • queen • king | • latex • cotton | GOTS | 1 year | $165–185 |
Coop Home Goods | 20 in x 54 in x 7 in | • viscose rayon • polyester • memory foam • microfiber | • CertiPUR-US • GREENGUARD Gold | 5 years | from $99 |
Brooklyn Bedding | queen, king | memory foam | none | 3 years | $129–$149 |
Tempur-Pedic | 24″ x 15 3/4″ x 5″, fits standard or queen | TEMPUR® material, polyester cover | none | 5 years | $89 |
Sweet Zzz | standard, king | plant-based down fill, cotton cover | OEKO-TEX Standard 100 | 1 year | $145–$160 |
MNT chooses mattresses, sheets, pillows, and other bedding that meet the following criteria:
- Certifications: MNT will choose products that have CertiPUR-US or other certifications. This means that the products are low in pollutants and free of heavy metals and volatile organic compounds.
- Size: MNT chooses products that are available in various sizes.
- Materials and fill: MNT selects products made from different materials and fills, such as memory foam and latex, to suit a range of sleep and lifestyles.
- Budget: MNT features products to suit a wide range of budgets.
- Firmness: MNT selects products that are available in a range of firmness options to suit most people’s sleeping styles.
- Sleep trials: Where possible, MNT chooses companies that offer a sleep trial.
- Shipping: Where possible, MNT will include shipping information, such as where the company delivers to and whether shipping is free.
- Warranties and return policies: MNT will include products that carry warranties and clear returns policies.
When choosing a pillow for stomach sleepers, people may wish to consider the following:
- Loft: The loft of a pillow is how much height it provides. For stomach sleepers, a pillow that is too high or too low can strain the neck and prevent proper spinal alignment. Generally, low loft pillows may suit stomach sleepers. Some pillow types, such as buckwheat pillows, allow for loft adjustment by adding or removing the filling.
- Material: Different materials affect the firmness, support, and comfort of a pillow. For example, memory foam pillows mold to the user’s shape and are typically medium-firm. Feather pillows are soft but offer little support, while latex or buckwheat pillows are firm but may feel less comfortable. Most pillows use foam, which provides medium support and comfort.
- Firmness level and support: Pillows can vary in firmness levels. Some people prefer soft pillows that they sink into, while others may prefer a firm pillow that does not mold to the user. Generally, stomach sleepers may prefer soft to medium-firm pillows, which may support proper spinal alignment.
- Shape: Some pillows for stomach sleepers are available in specialist shapes that aim to offer comfortable spinal alignment. For example, wedge-shaped pillows may suit people who experience neck pain. Pillows with cutouts may allow individuals to sleep face down more comfortably.
Each person will have unique needs and preferences. Sometimes, a person may be able to test pillows by using sleep trials.
People who sleep on their sides should look for mattresses with the right support and cushioning. They may benefit from mattresses that provide enough support so heavier parts of their bodies, such as the hips and shoulders, do not sink into the mattress and throw the body out of alignment.
Additionally, side sleepers benefit from mattresses that provide enough cushioning for these heavier body parts. Medium-firm mattresses may be a good choice for side sleepers.
Side sleepers should also look for pillows that keep their bodies in a good alignment, specifically the neck and the upper back. Slide sleepers who frequently have neck pain may find they do better with pillows that are firmer than feather pillows.
Some side sleepers find that placing an additional pillow between their knees helps them maintain their alignment, supports their backs, and protect their knees.
Additionally, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends these healthy sleep habits:
- strive to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night
- keep the bedroom at a cool, comfortable temperature
- avoid exposure to bright lights and electronic devices before bedtime
- use the bed only for sleep and sex
Below are answers to the top frequently asked questions about pillows for stomach sleepers.
What pillow material is best for stomach sleepers?
No one material type is best for stomach sleepers, as each person will have different needs and preferences. Memory foam or latex may be preferable if the pillow is thin or low loft. For thicker pillows, a softer material, such as down or feather, may be better.
People can consider how soft or supportive they want their pillow to be, alongside other considerations such as whether the material is hypoallergenic or comes from sustainable sources.
What pillow firmness is best for stomach sleepers?
No specific firmness is best for all stomach sleepers. The pillow should aim to align the spine and not cause the neck to arch back or sink too far. Generally, a low loft or thin pillow should be firm, while a high loft or thicker pillow should be soft.
Is stomach sleeping safe?
Sleeping on the stomach may cause spinal alignment and neck pain issues if a person does not have proper spinal alignment and neck support.
However, it is important that individuals choose the position that allows them to get adequate sleep each night. If a person prefers stomach sleeping, they do not need to change their sleep position if it affects sleep quality or overall well-being.
If people experience sleeping issues, neck or back pain, or other issues related to their sleeping position, they can consult a doctor.
Stomach sleepers often have to twist their neck when sleeping, which can cause neck and shoulder pain. To prevent this issue, some may find it helpful to use a cutout pillow, which allows them to sleep face down.
It can also be helpful for stomach sleepers to use a pillow that is not too thick. Individuals who sleep on their stomachs may find that thick pillows are less comfortable than thinner varieties. This is because thicker pillows tend to make people twist their necks more.