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The 5 Best Pillows for Stomach Sleepers – 2019 Top Picks & Reviews
By Emily Thompson | Last Updated
I know this trouble all too well. I am a stomach sleeper and I have had years of trouble finding the perfect pillow for a good night’s sleep.
If you sleep on your stomach, then you are aware of how difficult it can be to find a comfortable pillow. Some pillows hurt your neck while others make you feel like you are suffocating. It can be hard to get comfortable if you are a stomach sleeper.
As a result of this, I decided to embark on a mission to find the best pillows for stomach sleepers. Here are my findings. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about choosing the right pillow for a stomach sleeper. Solve your pillow problem today!
If you sleep on your tummy, then you need a stomach sleeper pillow. This is because you have special needs as a stomach sleeper. You must have a pillow that does not suffocate you and does not lead to more aches and pains. You need something that contours to your body and eases the pain.
A stomach sleeper pillow will minimize the spinal problems and lower back pain that stomach sleeping can lead to. It can also help you sleep better because you are more comfortable and don’t feel like you are suffocating in your pillow! These pillows are typically thin and adjustable, conforming to the shape of your body.
A stomach pillow helps you avoid insomnia if you sleep on your stomach. This is because it minimizes back pain issues and discomfort that can disrupt sleep, preventing you from drifting off. Plus, the right pillow will help you avoid allergies and breathability issues.
Think about the angle you keep your neck at with a normal fluffy pillow. That can really hurt because you are forcing your neck to stay at an upright angle. So if you get the right pillow, you remove that issue and save your neck. You also reduce pressure on your spine, making back pain less of an issue and putting less pressure on the small of your back or your lower back.
Stomach pillows can also help pregnant women get comfortable! Pregnancy creates so much weight and pressure on the stomach. Having a nice pillow can help ease that discomfort and put an end to the insomnia many women suffer, particularly later in pregnancy.
Watch this video to learn more about what kind of pillow you need:
Thin Stomach Pillow Benefits
Here is what you need to look for in a stomach pillow:
Breathability
Comfort
Slim pillow
Thin pillow
Cooling technology
Antimicrobial
Hypoallergenic
This list of features makes a great stomach pillow because they reduce all of the problems stomach sleepers face with their pillows. One way to get all of these benefits is to have a thin, breathable, and adjustable pillow that is designed for stomach sleeping.
Thin pillows are great for stomach sleepers. Why?
When you use a pillow that is thin and comfortable, you reduce back pain. You also reduce the feeling of suffocation that can occur when you sleep with your face smushed into your pillow. Finally, you reduce allergies which can be an issue if you sleep up close and personal with your pillow as most stomach sleepers do.
A thinner pillow actually offers more support for your neck and proper spinal alignment as a result, even though it may seem counterintuitive. This is because it does not force you to sleep with your neck at a sharp angle. Your neck is part of your spine, so neck pressure will have a domino effect down your spine, ending up in your lower back. That’s no fun!
Say you have a herniated disc or sleep apnea. Stomach sleeping can really feel good as a result, but it can ultimately worsen your issues. Having a thin pillow helps you sleep in comfort the way you want, without hurting your back more, because it helps you position your head correctly.
A thin pillow is also less likely to retain heat and allergens. So you can sleep more comfortably without sweating and sniffling. Choosing one that is antibacterial can help you avoid sickness and stay healthy, which is another plus anyone can get behind.
This video explores the benefits of thin pillows and dispels the myth that they are harmful to your health:
You can avoid a lot of sleep issues by having a thin pillow. It is really the best thing for a stomach sleeper like you! But remember that your pillow is impacted by more than just thinness. You have to consider springiness, material, cooling technology, level of support, etc.
At this point, you probably have no idea where to start in selecting one. Let’s see more about pillows in the following buying guide.
Best Pillows For Stomach Sleepers – Comparison Chart 2019
This is one of the thinnest pillows on the market, at only 2.5 inches. Its Ultra Slim design makes it ideal for stomach sleepers. The pillow is made of memory foam, creating an interesting design with one side round and the other flat.
This is the thinnest pillow you can buy, so it can offer a lot of relief for stomach sleepers.
It is very comfortable
Its antibacterial and hypoallergenic material helps with allergies and illness
Cons
This pillow barely offers any softness at all
It also retains heat fairly badly
It will have a slight chemical smell when it arrives thanks to the memory foam material it is made of
Features Light, extra thin, and extra firm. Its half-pillow design means only one side is round. It is hypoallergenic. It also features bed bug resistance. The pillow’s thinness prevents it from being too hot.
Emily’s Take:
I liked this pillow at first. I found its ultra slim design very appealing since I am a stomach sleeper. However, I found that it barely gives, which made it a bit uncomfortable. I had more luck with softer pillows. The chemical odor dissipated within one night of getting this pillow and it retained its shape for a long time.
2The Fully Customizable Memory Foam Pillow by Coop Home Goods!
To find your best pillow height and thickness, you can easily customize this pillow by Coop Home Goods by adding or removing foam. This pillow is ideal for those who are not sure what they want or who sleep in different positions. Made with ViscoElastic memory foam, it conforms to movements, offering gentle yet firm support. The zipper cover and foam design are mean to let you breathe.
It also is fully washable, saving the time you would spend spot cleaning other pillows.
The material is safe and hypoallergenic.
It has a cooling feature so it does not overheat during the night.
It will conform to your body, allowing you to find the shape that is ideal for you and the neck support you require.
Cons
This pillow may be too soft for some.
It feels more like down than memory foam.
It offers a significant lift.
It also requires for you to follow instructions and make sure to find your ideal comfort level.
Features This pillow allows you to adjust its thickness as you please. That is great for its price as well. It has a removable zipper cover that is fully washable. Also, it is hypoallergenic and dust mite-resistant.
With its Certipur certification, you can rest assured that it contains no harmful chemicals, heavy metals, or other problematic materials. The patent-pending design helps with spinal alignment to relieve pain, while also allowing for breathability.
Emily’s Take:
I just loved being able to customize my pillow! I found the perfect thickness with some trial and error, and also was able to wash it. On top of that, this pillow did not smell bad when it arrived like most memory foam pillows. However, it started to go flat after a few nights so I had to add more foam. There is a learning curve with this pillow.
3The Super Customizable and Stackable Pancake Pillow – Editor’s Choice!
Like a stack of pancakes, the Pancake Pillow lets you stack your pillows until you achieve your ideal sleep height. This super customizable and innovative design allows this pillow to work for anyone, not just stomach sleepers.
The full customizability of this product makes it very superior to most others because you can make it what you need it to be.
It is easy to care for since it is washable and it is hypoallergenic.
The down alternative material is very soft, while the cotton cover is silky smooth.
The pillow is cooling and retains its shape better than real down.
Cons
This pillow can be difficult to deal with as you experiment to find the best thickness for yourself.
It can start to deflate and needs replacement every six months to a year.
Features This pillow comes with six layers so that you can make this pillow as thin as you need for stomach sleeping, or thicker if you so desire. Each layer in the pillow offers fluffy yet firm. It also has a washable and silky zippered cover. While it does not have its own type of cooling technology, it still does not get very hot because of the down alternative material it is made with.
Emily’s Take:
This is my editor’s choice for a reason! I just love this pillow since it is a fully adjustable pillow. I only sleep using three of them but I find that to be the supportive comfort that I need. The downside is that you must experiment to find how many pillows you need. Stuffing them into the zippered cover can be a bit hard too.
4Shredded Memory Foam Cooling Pillow by Snuggle-Pedic
This pillow was designed with hot climates or those who lay face down in mind. Therefore, it has a patented cooling technology. It is designed to offer comfort with shredded memory foam.
This is a really great front sleeping pillow since it has an innovative cooling design.
It helps ease pain exponentially and offers a good night’s rest.
There is free customization.
Cons
This pillow is not machine washable.
It can be a bit too soft for some stomach sleepers.
You cannot customize it yourself.
Features A cooling feature is designed into this pillow to promote breathability. It is environmentally friendly and Certipur certified. On top of that, it is designed to never go flat.
Emily’s Take:
I had an excellent time sleeping on this pillow and I drag it for the summer. It is very soft and offers orthopedic relief as well as cooling. It stinks when it arrives, but it is a wonderful pillow once it outgases. This pillow was too thick at first but I used the free customizations offered by Snuggle-Pedic and ended up being very satisfied with this pillow.
5Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Adjustable Pillow by Sleep Whale
Made with shredded memory foam derived from bamboo, this is a natural and eco-friendly product that is designed to make sleep easier. The foam is removable from the zippered cover, allowing you to adjust this pillow to your needs. It is also a budget pillow.
One of the cheapest pillows available on the market in this variety, this pillow delivers some bang for its back.
It retains its firmness and quality over time.
It is fully adjustable as well as hypoallergenic.
Cons
This pillow is not able to be washed in a machine.
It is a firmer pillow, which can be good for some and a con for others.
Features This pillow sports a lovely polyester case over shredded memory foam derived from bamboo. It offers firm support and full adjustable comfort. Its thickness makes it great for stomach sleepers. It comes with a plastic travel case to protect it.
Emily’s Take:
I love this pillow. I also love its comfort. However, I have found that some nights it feels a little bit too firm. I like a bit more softness. Nevertheless, I still use this pillow and have found it minimizes my back pain.
These reviews are just the tip of the iceberg. There are many styles of stomach sleeper pillows so it can be hard to select the perfect one. Let’s consider here what you need in a pillow so that you can make the best decision in buying one.
Thickness
Stomach sleepers usually do best with slim or ultra slim pillows. This thinness helps people breathe more easily because the material does not bunch in their faces. It also helps your neck stay straight, easing back pain and neck problems.
A fluffy pillow is not a good thing. A fluffy pillow can intercept your breathing. But a flat, lifeless pillow does not offer any support so your neck is vulnerable to too much bending. You want to find the middle of the road with a pillow that is thin enough to allow for breathing but thick enough to offer support to your neck.
A good stomach sleeper pillow has a little extra loft at the bottom to help cradle your neck. So the top of the pillow where your head goes needs to be thinner than the bottom part that goes under your neck. Roughly a third of the pillow should be thicker.
Softness
A soft pillow that is pliable enough to curve with your neck is ideal. Something too hard will not let your neck curve naturally while something too soft will provide no support. So find a pillow that is a nice supportive softness.
The springy material is usually best for stomach sleepers. Stomach sleepers need a material that can offer a mixture of firmness and softness, aka springiness. A thin, soft, pliable pillow is your ideal stomach sleeper pillow!
Material
Stomach pillows come in all sorts of materials. Here are the best ones for you to choose from: memory foam, shredded memory foam, gel- or water-filled, microbead, and fiber padding.
Memory foam or shredded memory foam is great because it helps conform to your head and neck. That makes it the perfect cradle that matches what your body needs. Gel pillows are often cool, which can bring about much comfort. Gel memory foam is a great combo of the two that you can use to get the very best sleep of your life.
Down pillows are not a good idea because they contain allergens and fall flat within a year.
Features
Some of the features you should look for in selecting a pillow:
Cooling technology. The cooler the pillow, the better you will sleep. You don’t want to stay awake with your head all nasty and sweaty. Therefore, search for pillows that offer a nice microbead or gel core that helps diffuse heat and moisture.
Washable pillows.Most memory foam will be ruined by the washer. So if you are willing to spot clean, that is fine. But if you don’t want to spot clean, you should go for a pillow that you can actually stick in the washer. Usually, it is best to get a cover for your pillow that will protect the material while being easy to throw in the wash. The cover will catch most of the dirt that can get on your pillow, which will help reduce the crud that reaches the actual core.
Waterproof. A pillow that gets wet too easily will make for a poor pillow in humid regions or hot regions. So a waterproof pillow or slip cover for the pillow can become your very best friend.
Comfort. You don’t want a pillow that has a scratchy cover, or a hard design that prevents a nice sleep. You want a pillow that is comfortable. You want to be able to feel like you are floating on a cloud when you use this pillow. A mixture of both softness and firm support is vital.
Hypoallergenic and antimicrobial microfiber fill. Being hypoallergenic and antimicrobial are essential features in a pillow for your health. Since you sleep with your nose pressed into the pillow, you may suffer more allergies and health issues as you breathe in dust and dust mites. Having a pillow that prevents this can be beneficial to your health. You will sleep better not having a stuffy nose. Pillows that are designed to resist bacteria will also be more hygienic by design and will not lead to illness.
Breathability
Stomach sleeper pillows need to be extremely breathable. Most stomach sleepers are front sleepers, so you sleep with your cheek against this pillow, meaning that a fluffy and stuffy pillow will just suffocate you. This means that the material needs to have some type of ventilation system in place to help you breathe.
Most stomach sleep pillows are designed to avoid blocking your breathing. Make sure that they have a ventilation system. Also, make sure they are not too fluffy. The fluffy material will only billow up in your face, preventing easy breathing.
Next, I cover some FAQs that can help you make your final buying decision. Don’t be embarrassed if you still have questions. You really want to find the best product for your sleep needs.
Budget
What is your price range? You can find a variety of pillows available for a variety of prices. Select your budget and use that when comparing pillows.
Keep in mind that the most expensive pillow is not guaranteed to be the best pillow. You want to be wary of purchasing pillows that are too cheap, however, as they are probably not high quality and will not live up to your expectations.
Amazon makes it easy to compare prices. You will likely find something within your budget that meets your needs as well.
FAQs
If you still have questions, you will probably find an answer here.
I’m A Stomach Sleeper And The Quicksand Effect Is Really Hard On The Back. What Are Your Suggestions For A Stomach Sleeper That’s Got Achy Joints?
The best advice I can give you is to switch your pillow…now! Right now, you are putting too much pressure on your joints. Changing your pillow can relieve that pressure, making you sleep with more comfort.
Find a pillow that is thinner to cushion your neck without putting too much pressure on it. This definitely minimizes the nasty quicksand effect you are talking about. I would suggest purchasing a memory foam pillow that adjusts to your natural sleep position on its own.
You may think that softer is better. But this is not necessarily true for relieving sleep-related aches and pains. Too firm is bad, but too soft does not give you the support you need. Find something mid-range that is both supportive and springy, and comforting. Again, memory foam is ideal for this mid-range level of comfort.
You also need to probably change your mattress by investing in a good mattress topper. Find the best mattress for stomach sleepers. Your goal is to find sleep products that cushion your joints by conforming to your body and taking pressure of you as you sleep. You cannot reduce joint pain if you are sleeping on a stiff material that does not give you any ease under your joints.
You can find some more advice for a good night’s rest for stomach sleepers with achy joints here.
How Can I Wash My Pillows?
Usually your new pillow will come with washing instructions. Washing instructions are also included on Amazon. But to be doubly sure, you may want to contact the manufacturer.
Naturally you don’t want a filthy pillow. Pillows tend to catch the worst of your skin and hair oil. So learning to clean your pillow the right way is essential.
Sometimes, washing a pillow in a washing machine can ruin its shape and make it less comfortable. It can also void the warranty if you violate the explicit instructions for cleaning included with the pillow. So avoid washing your pillow the wrong way.
Most memory foam pillows cannot be washed in a machine. You have to spot clean them. If this is a problem, consider finding one that is approved for machine washing.
Here’s how to spot clean a pillow:
Dab the pillow with a cloth submerged in mild soap (like Ivory) and warm water.
Rinse with a damp, unsoapy cloth.
Remove stains using a special stain remover designed for your specific type of pillow. Then use a warm, wet cloth to help remove the cleaning solution and the stain.
Vacuum the pillow to remove dust, dandruff, and other debris.
Air dry or tumble dry for 20 minutes in your dryer.
If there is a cover, you can take that off and wash it. Just don’t wash the foam content of the pillow.
There Are So Many Different Options For Pillows That I Have No Clue What To Buy. Where Do I Start?
The best place to start is here. Read the reviews and the comparison chart.
Decide what matters to you in a pillow and compare the ones listed here to find which ones have the features you desire. Consider if you want a pillow that helps you with allergies, or a pillow specifically labeled to help with neck pain. Consider if you want a pillow that you can machine wash. Think about materials and what seems best for you.
The next best place is to look on Amazon at user reviews and compare stories that real people post.
Other people with your issues will probably speak up and mention which pillows work for them and which ones don’t. You can find out the truth about pillows, beyond the advertising, from reading user reviews.
Does It Work Well For Stomach Sleepers, Not Too Thick? Does It Stay Cool?
All of these pillows are cited to work well for stomach sleepers. They are not too thick. Find the one with your ideal thickness.
Most of these pillows have cooling technology. If cooling is important to you, seek one that advertises cooling technology such as beads or gel. Gel can help reduce the heat retention that is a problem common to memory foam products.
I Frequently Wake Up With A Sore Neck. I've Changed Pillows And It Didn't Help. What Can I Do To Fix This?
Clearly you need more neck support! There are a few things that can help you. Finding your ideal pillow is your best bet.
A thinner pillow is probably ideal for you, since it eases the angle you sleep on and reduces pressure on your neck. You may also consider a pillow that is made of foam or memory foam and conforms to your neck, naturally adjusting to fit your own unique sleep position. Try out a head support pillow, which is designed specifically to curve with your neck for optimal relief of neck pressure and pain.
Try using a pillow that is a little higher than your side so that it meets your neck when you lay down. This is a good gauge for how thick you need your pillow to be.
You should also consider to switching to sleeping on your side. But switching sleep positions can be difficult.
What Type Of Pillow Is Best For Stomach Sleeper?
The best pillows for stomach sleepers offer spinal and neck support. This means you need to find a pillow that is made of a good material. The pillow needs to be cooling, breathable, and conforming to your body.
The best material for your pillow is:
Latex
Memory Foam
Foam
Also, slim and ultra slim pillows often offer the most relieving for your neck. A pillow that conforms to your face will offer the most support to your neck, which is why memory foam can be a great choice.
Pillows that have cooling technology, such as gel inserts or beads, are often best for comfort. They prevent the night sweats that can keep you awake all night in sweaty discomfort.
Finally, you want to make sure your pillow is hypoallergenic and antimicrobial. These features can really help reduce allergies and illness. If you sleep with your face in the pillow, you want to avoid pillows that have allergens that can make you sick all night since you are breathing directly into the pillow. Avoid down pillows for this reason.
Do I Need To Ask My Doctor Before Use These Kind Of Pillow?
Medical advice never hurts. Ask your doctor before you make any change to your sleep routine.
You especially need medical advice before you buy a pillow when you are injured or have been diagnosed with a sleep illness, such as sleep apnea.
But if you are a stomach sleeper, you can bet that your doctor will recommend a pillow that is ideal for the stomach sleeping position. Your doctor may also recommend it if you have sleep apnea. This article is not intended to replace medical advice, however, so always ask your doctor first.
When I Need To Change My Pillow?
You need to change your pillow when it stops working for you. If your pillow goes flat or loses its shape, you may want to change it. If your pillow is not helping you sleep or is causing you pain, definitely change it.
When your sleep needs change, you may need to change your sleep products. Say you get injured or conceive a child or notice more aches and pains with age. That is when you want to change your pillow to meet your new needs.
Many sleep products come with warranties. If your pillow stops working for you before the warranty is up, you may be able to get your money back or a free replacement. Check the warranty info before buying a pillow.
Down pillows need to be replaced every year. Memory foam usually lasts longer, and latex lasts longest of all, up to ten years.
A trick to see if your pillow is ready for replacement? Fold it in half. A good pillow will spring back into shape. A bad pillow will not.
You can keep your pillow alive longer by using a cover on it. Avoid sleeping on naked pillows! Also, monthly washing according to the manufacturer’s instructions is essential.
Can I Put The Pillow In The Washer?
Many pillows are made with memory foam, which does not play well with washing machines. So be very careful about machine washing your pillow.
To care for your pillow, you really need to read the instructions that come with it. If it says non-machine washable or “Do not Machine Wash” anywhere on the label or the pillow tags, do not put it in the washer!
It is your best bet to only throw pillows that are recommended for machine washing in the washer.
Check with the manufacturer if the pillow does not come with clear instructions. Often, Amazon has a section for product questions where you can get answers to questions like these about the products you want to buy.
If washing your pillow is important to you, then you want to find one that specifically states that machine washing is OK.
Is Stomach Sleeping a Bad Sleep Position?
Is it really so bad to sleep on your stomach? Science says no! Sleeping on your stomach is perfectly healthy. Stomach sleeping is normal. If it most comfortable to you, then there is really nothing wrong with it. But you must be aware that problems can arise related to stomach sleeping.
In fact, there can be some surprising health benefits to stomach sleeping. Stomach sleeping has been shown to reduce sleep apnea and snoring. You can actually get healthier if you sleep on your stomach.
But here’s the kicker: Stomach sleeping can lead to lower back pain. It straightens and flattens the spine, creating back problems. A pillow under the hips can help with this.
Some people also claim that stomach sleeping can hurt your internal organs and disrupt digestion. There is no evidence in support of this. Sleeping on your tummy probably will not inhibit digestion and it certainly will not damage your insides.
If you are a stomach sleeper, then don’t be scared. You are not harming yourself. You are just creating some unique issues that the right pillow can address. If you are a back sleeper or side sleeper, you do not need a stomach pillow. But it can help if you are a stomach sleeper!
The way you position your head is the most critical part of stomach sleeping. The proper pillow will help you sleep more easily on your stomach. The wrong head position will minimize your comfort and add to your sleep difficulties and insomnia as well as back and neck pain.
This video talks about what sleeping on your stomach does to your body:
Sleep the way that is most comfortable for you. Finding the right sleep products is essential, however. So this article will help you pick the ideal pillow. Even if you do sleep on your tummy, there is relief available for you.
Conclusion
You may have thought that you could never find a comfy pillow since you sleep on your stomach. You may have thought that lower back pain, neck issues, and breathability issues are your fate. But now you have learned that there is a pillow out there for you!
This article can help you find the best pillows for stomach sleepers. Stomach sleeping is not a bad thing. It just requires you to find the right sleep product for a good night’s sleep.
So start shopping for your perfect stomach pillow today.
The 5 Best Pillows for Stomach Sleepers – 2019 Top Picks & Reviews
Wow. I was looking for a pillow that would help me have a better sleep and I’m so glad I found this one. So detailed, it made me re-think my initial intention; now I’m allowing thinner pillows into my choice options!
Thanks for your comment. Thinner pillows not only keep your neck healthy but also help keep your back in a more neutral position, by putting a flat pad under your pelvis it will take pressure off your spine during sleep.
Come back anytime for our new insights to have a better sleep.
Wow. I was looking for a pillow that would help me have a better sleep and I’m so glad I found this one. So detailed, it made me re-think my initial intention; now I’m allowing thinner pillows into my choice options!
Thanks for your comment. Thinner pillows not only keep your neck healthy but also help keep your back in a more neutral position, by putting a flat pad under your pelvis it will take pressure off your spine during sleep.
Come back anytime for our new insights to have a better sleep.
Emily