Is it safe to sleep on your stomach?
Yes, if you do it correctly with a suitable pillow. Usually, when it comes to sleeping, you should listen to your body and how it is most comfortable at night. And remember, that even if we fall asleep in a particular position, we will shift around a lot while asleep.
However, without the right support, stomach sleeping can add a lot of strain to your neck and back. Basically, your neck can be turned in such a way that it creates too much pressure on your lower spine. If you wake up with back pain, then you either need to choose a different sleeping position, or invest in extra support. That’s why finding the right pillow for stomach sleepers is so essential; it provides enough support to elongate the neck and more evenly distribute your weight.
One really important thing is that it is not safe to sleep on your stomach if you are pregnant. Too much weight on the baby is not good. Pregnant women should ideally sleep on their sides, as sleeping on your back can put too much pressure on a large vein that runs down your leg.
Features to consider while choosing a pillow for stomach sleepers
The following are essential features to consider so that you can find the right pillow for all your sleeping needs.
Filling material
There are many different types of filling material for pillows. In fact, of the six different products on our list, there are three distinct types of fill. The most common at the moment is memory foam, which contours to your body. It is also cool in temperature which is perfect if your body becomes overly warm at night. Even with memory foam, however, there are different types available. The most common, memory foam pad is a single piece. There is also shredded memory foam which is small pieces of foam and may need a bit more adjustment to become comfortable.
Down pillows are nice and a bit fluffier than memory foam ones but may lack in support if you are a heavier person. Microfiber polyester is comfortable but has a shorter lifespan than other types of fill. What you choose will ultimately come down to your needs and body type.
Dimensions
Shorter people usually need smaller pillows, while taller individuals prefer longer models (such as the Elite Rest Ultra Slim Sleeper Memory Foam Pillow). With this in mind, it’s crucial to consider dimensions when shopping for your next pillow. Do you like to bunch your pillow up under your chest, or do you want a pillow that goes down to your legs? Make sure you have these answers first before you purchase a pillow. Basically, pillows have a wide variety of dimensions, so whatever your preference, there will be something out there for you. For example, the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt ProLo Pillow is available in three different sizes for you to find the perfect one.
Firmness
There is perhaps no greater personal preference than how firm a pillow is. In fact, many relationship fights have been occurring over the firmness of a pillow. And if you’ve ever stayed at a hotel, and gone through all ten pillows looking for one that will fit just right, you know how important pillow firmness is. Start with the basic: soft or firm. On our list, Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt ProLo Queen Size Pillow, Pancake Pillow The Adjustable Layer Pillow, DOWNLITE Extra Soft Down Pillow, and TruContour Thin Memory Foam Pillow for Stomach Sleepers are all classified as soft. Xtreme Comforts Slim Standard Bamboo Pillow and Elite Rest Ultra Slim Sleeper Memory Foam Pillow are classified as firm. If you’re unsure about what degree of firmness you need, then a 30-day money back guarantee will allow you to test out your new pillow in the comfort of your own home.
Cover features
It’s really nice if a pillow cover is both removable and washable. While you’ll inevitably have a pillowcase, the pillow cover adds an extra layer of protection against stains. If you are allergic, then it’s a good idea to find a hypoallergenic cover. Most covers are made from cotton which is both breathable and soft. The Xtreme Comforts Slim Standard Bamboo Pillow has a bamboo cover which gives a smooth, luxurious feeling. Bamboo is also a sustainable resource and a great product to invest in.
Warranty
Warranties give peace of mind and can really make or break a purchase. If the warranty is too limited, it can cause misgivings as it may mean the manufacturer doesn’t have a lot of faith in the longevity of the product.
For pillows, it’s actually more important to have a money-back guarantee than a warranty, as it gives you the chance to try out the pillow to see if it will work for you.
TruContour Thin Memory Foam Pillow for Stomach Sleepers, Xtreme Comforts Slim Standard Bamboo Pillow, and Pancake Pillow The Adjustable Layer Pillow all come with a 30-day money back guarantee which gives you plenty of time to test out your pillow. And, if it doesn’t work for you, you can quickly return it for a full refund.
Extra features
In addition to these standard features, your stomach pillow may have a few bonus areas. This includes what sizes the pillows are available in – the most widespread are queen and king size pillows. Sometimes a pillow has the option of adjusting its height which allows for versatility and decreases the chances of needing to return the new pillow. Pillows that are machine-washable are really nice, especially if you have kids that will be using or playing with them.
