Adam holds a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Linguistics, and creative writing has always been his greatest passion. For more than 25 years he's been working for several well-known automobile and travel magazines as an editor and expert consultant, but when Adam started his writing path here, at WisePick, it turned out that he's capable of writing practically anything about everything.
Initially being an engineering specialist, Tom has never stopped learning and acquiring other knowledge and skills. Now he’s involved in technical support for a well-known household appliances manufacturer, so no wonder he knows everything about almost everything you buy for your home.
Last updated: June 04, 2021
Wise Pick is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here
A good night’s sleep can make all the difference in the world. If you toss and turn all night, and wake up exhausted, then you can’t help but start the day off wrong. But if you have a restful night, full of sweet, deep dreams, then everything seems a little bit rosier. For stomach sleepers, solid sleep can be a bit hard to come by. After all, you need a special pillow to make your position work for you. As such, the best pillow for stomach sleepers is necessary. Read on to find what makes a perfect pillow for stomach sleepers and how to find it.
In this article, we have looked at five of the best pillows for stomach sleepers. To make our list, the pillows need to have a variety of essential features. The firmness of a pillow is especially crucial for stomach sleepers as it needs to support your head well without sinking too much. If you are a smaller person, then chances are you will need a softer pillow. Likewise, for a larger person, a denser pillow is probably what you’re looking for. Cover features detail if the pillows are hypoallergenic and suitable for you. We also looked at the warranty of each model since it provides you with extra peace of mind.
After careful consideration of manufacturer information, online reviews, and our own personal observations, we have created this handy article for you. We begin with a comparison table, followed by more in-depth product reviews. Finally, we end with a buying guide that provides more information about the best pillows for stomach and side sleepers so that you can find exactly what will work for you.
Our Editor’s Choice is the TruContour Thin Memory Foam Pillow for Stomach Sleepers. It is only three inches in height, which makes it a perfect pillow for side sleepers as well as stomach sleepers. This pillow is thin with a low profile so while it offers comfort, it isn’t so large as to move your neck into an uncomfortable position.
The memory foam used in this pillow gives support while still being soft. The foam is medical-grade and will last a long time. In fact, there is a one-year warranty as well as a 30-day money back guarantee. If anything goes wrong in the first year, the company will send you a new pillow right away. So, you can purchase the TruContour Thin Memory Foam Pillow for Stomach Sleepers online but still have the chance to test it out at home.
The cover of this pillow is exceptionally soft and is made out of certified organic cotton. This material enhances breathability, which allows for a cool texture, perfect for the summer or those that give off extra body heat at night. The pillow is also hypoallergenic and dust mite-resistant. If you suffer from allergies or asthma, or just don’t want any creepy crawlers around at night, then this is the stomach pillow for you.
Why is it special?
Hypoallergenic and perfect for those that have allergies or asthma
It may have a silly name, but the Pancake Pillow The Adjustable Layer Pillow will leave you grinning with happiness, not silliness when you wake up. For those worrying about buying a pillow online, without having the opportunity to test it out, then this exciting design is perfect for you. Instead of just one pillow, you actually get six.
Inside every Pancake Pillow, there are six separate layers. You can choose to sleep with all six of them, or, you can have just one. Depending on your needs, you can interchange the pillows to get as much or as little support as you need. All this means that the Pancake Pillow The Adjustable Layer Pillow is one of the best pillows for stomach, side, and back sleepers likewise since anyone can adjust it accordingly. The microfiber filling is totally hypoallergenic so even if you suffer from allergies and coughs, stay cool as this pillow won’t trigger any of your symptoms.
While the inside is impressive, so is the outside of this pillow. The cover is made from 300 thread count cotton which gives it a luxurious, super smooth feel. The cotton is also very breathable and cool to the touch which means even in the extreme heat of summer, you can stay comfortable.
What stands out?
Six adjustable layers are perfect for all sleepers
While most of the pillows that made our list are made from memory foam, the DOWNLITE Extra Soft Down Pillow is made from you guessed it, down, which gives you a nice alternative. You may think that down pillows are not great for you sleeping position, but fortunately, this pillow was made specifically for stomach and face sleepers.
The pillow is incredibly soft and squishy which some stomach sleepers greatly prefer. And if you’re worried about its six inches in depth, there’s really no need as it compresses down to nearly flat once you’re lying atop it. This makes the firmness extremely soft.
Our pick for best down pillow for stomach sleepers comes with rave reviews. Almost all users loved how much quality sleep they got after purchasing it. In fact, many were amazed at how great their neck and back felt after a good night’s sleep.
The DOWNLITE Extra Soft Down Pillow is hypoallergenic and is both machine washable and machine dryable. You can maintain its immense fluffiness throughout its entire lifetime.
The length of this down pillow is 26 inches, but if you want a bigger, body pillow, no worries as there is actually the option of a much longer 36 inches version. So, if you’re going to wrap yourself around the best down pillow for stomach sleepers, this is still the model for you.
What makes it special?
Very fluffy and soft, but compacts when in use
Breathable and made specifically for stomach and face sleepers
Can be washed and dried in a machine
What cons did we find?
Will completely compress at night, so not for those that want a thicker, firmer pillow
If you’ve ever slept on bamboo sheets, you’ll know just how soft and luxurious they feel. And if you haven’t had the pleasure yet, you can start with the Xtreme Comforts Slim Standard Bamboo Pillow. Bamboo is not only amazing to sleep on, but it is also a sustainable product that is good for the environment. So, if you are looking for superior comfort and care about nature, this is the perfect pillow for you.
This bamboo pillow does not contain any chemicals, such as heavy metals, lead or mercury. It is, therefore, safe for everyone including children and pregnant women and makes it one of the best pregnancy pillows for stomach sleepers. Of course, this refers only to the early months of pregnancy when it’s still safe to sleep on your stomach.
This pillow is on the firmer side, so may not be right for everyone. However, there is a 30-day money back guarantee so you can purchase it online, try it out for a few nights, and then decide if it works for you.
One of the biggest selling features of the Xtreme Comforts Slim Standard Bamboo Pillow is the fact that it has a six-year warranty. This is a lot longer than other products on our list, and really speaks of the manufacturer’s belief in their product. You can experience relief from headaches, neck pain, backaches, and even snoring, for quite a while.
The cover of the Xtreme Comforts Slim Standard Bamboo Pillow is machine washable and hypoallergenic. It is also dust mite-resistant, which gives some much-needed peace of mind especially if somebody is sharing your pillow with you.
What makes it stand out?
Impressive six-year warranty
Bamboo is a sustainable resource and very comfortable
Shredded memory foam can contour easily to your head and shoulders
Sometimes you come across a name brand that is so synonymous with a product that you just know it will be good. Such is true of the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt ProLo Queen Size Pillow. The pioneers of memory foam technology, Tempur-Pedic, have perfected the pillow for stomach sleepers.
The technology used in this best Tempur-Pedic pillow for stomach sleepers allows for individual comfort and support as it realizes that no two people are alike. You get personalized comfort that will support your back, neck, and shoulders, and leave you well rested in the morning. The material used was actually developed by NASA and guarantees a perfect sleep thanks to the material that relieves body pressures. Tempur-Pedic’s strong belief in their product is evidenced by their five-year warranty.
The cover of the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt ProLo Queen Size Pillow is both removable and machine washable. The quilted cotton cover is soft on your face and extremely breathable. While this is a soft pillow, the thickness is a bit more than other products, coming in at 5.8 inches tall. A lot of the height will compress as you lay on it, but if you’re looking for an extremely thin pillow, then this product may not be for you.
Why is it special?
Advanced technology provides ultimate support
Long 5-year warranty gives you peace of mind
Quilted cotton cover is very soft
What are the flaws?
Comes with a bit of an odor, so best to let it air out for a day or two before use
Sometimes you want a new pillow, but don’t want to pay a fortune for it. Luckily, there is the Elite Rest Ultra Slim Sleeper Memory Foam Pillow which is a great budget pick. This pillow is three inches high, which is reasonably standard for pillows for stomach sleepers. It is especially helpful if you suffer from a stiff neck after waking up, and it’s also a good pillow for shoulder pain relief. As well, if you have orthopedic issues, then this is definitely a pillow to consider.
The Elite Rest Ultra Slim Sleeper Memory Foam Pillow is one of the best firm pillows for stomach sleepers, so if you like a softer pillow, you may need to look elsewhere. However, its gel memory foam contours to your body so that you can still receive all the support you will need.
The cover for the Elite Rest Ultra Slim Sleeper Memory Foam Pillow is machine washable and is hypo-allergenic. So those that suffer from asthma or allergies can literally rest at ease at night. Customers that purchased this pillow appreciated the coolness of the fabric which was especially helpful in hot summer nights. The size was also mentioned as an advantage as its 24 inches in length is a bit longer than other similar pillows, which makes it ideal for taller individuals.
What are our favorite features?
Hypoallergenic cover is soft, breathable, and cool at night
Dimensions are perfect for taller people
Memory foam provides ample support for neck and back
What could be better?
May be too firm for some
Things to Consider
Buying anything new can be a stressful experience. After all, you want to make sure that you will like what you get and don’t want to go through all the hassle of buying and returning, and repeat. Take a look at our buying guide for the best pillow for stomach sleepers so that you have all the information you need for an easy shopping experience.
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.
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.
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.
Ideally, the best position for sleeping is on your back. This evenly distributes the weight so that there are no pressure points on your back or neck. The next best sleeping position is on your side, and then last on the list is your stomach. However, if sleeping on your stomach feels natural, and you wake up happy, then it’s probably ok for you. It’s also important to remember that just because you fall asleep in one position doesn’t mean that you will sleep like that all night long. Most people toss around while they’re asleep as their body naturally finds newer, more comfortable positions.
The biggest takeaway is that if you continuously wake up with back pain, headaches, or sore muscles, then you should make a sleep change. That may include trying new positions, or it may include investing in a proper pillow.
The firmness of any pillow is an extremely personal preference. For larger individuals, a firm pillow makes more sense as there will be more weight atop it. For smaller people, a soft pillow may be more comfortable. Stomach sleepers need adequate support, but there is a trend to opt for softer pillows, rather than firm ones. If your pillow comes with a money-back guarantee, this is a great way to test the firmness in the comfort of your own home. Take the time to try your pillow and really monitor yourself for side effects of a sore neck or back pain. If you wake up sore, then you may need to change the firmness of your pillow.
Your neck needs a lot of support, and if you sleep on your stomach, then it can end up in an unnatural position which will cause aches, pains, and even headaches. Pillows need to be thin enough that they don’t angle the neck upwards. If the pillow is too thick, then you may turn your head to the side or bend it, which can cause pain down the whole length of your spine. Pillows shouldn’t be too thin, though, so as to not provide any support. All of the pillows on our list are at the optimal thickness for stomach sleeping.
Our Verdict
The search for the best pillow for stomach sleepers can be a hard one, but thankfully we’ve done our best to help you out. Our Editor’s Choice is the TruContour Thin Memory Foam Pillow for Stomach Sleepers. It provides fantastic support for your back and neck and the three-inch thickness means it isn’t too bulky to leave you uncomfortable.
If you have a bit of extra cash to spend on your new pillow, be sure to check out the Pancake Pillow The Adjustable Layer Pillow. It features six removable inner pillows so that no matter your position or preference, you can adjust the pillow for all your needs.
Finally, if you want a bit of a down-filled pillow for stomach sleeping, check out the DOWNLITE Extra Soft Down Pillow. It may look bulky, but the slightest bit of pressure allows it to flatten and give you a bit of extra support while you sleep.
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, 
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 
