Buzz
Stomach sleeping is both a popular and controversial choice: A survey by The Better Sleep Council revealed that 17% of people prefer to sleep on their stomachs, while 26% consider it the least favorable position.
Stomach sleeping’s negative reputation could be why products designed specifically for face-down sleepers are less common, overshadowed by those tailored for side and back sleepers — even though the position remains relatively popular.
Commercial pillows are typically thick and fluffy, much like the dreamy pillows seen in storybooks. However, these are not ideal for stomach sleepers.
“For stomach sleeping, the pillow should be soft and relatively thin to ensure proper spinal alignment... You want to steer clear of overly thick pillows that could cause strain,” explained Dr. Fariha Abbasi-Feinberg, a sleep medicine physician and neurologist who serves on the board of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and is the Medical Director of Sleep Medicine at Florida-based Millennium Physician Group.
Thin pillows are ideal for stomach sleepers because they help maintain neutral spine alignment, which is essential in preventing neck and back strain caused by misalignment.
This graphic from mattress brand Purple advises stomach sleepers to choose a thin pillow to support neutral spinal alignment, a recommendation confirmed by the experts we consulted.
While side and back sleeping are often praised, “The best sleep position really is a personal preference,” noted Abbasi-Feinberg.
This is because no one is truly fixed in a single sleeping position, even if we tend to start off in a specific one. “We often shift between various positions during the night, even without realizing it,” explained Dr. Jade Wu, a behavioral sleep medicine psychologist and expert for Mattress Firm. “So, there’s no need to cater exclusively to your ‘stomach sleeper’ side.”
Additionally, for people with certain physical or medical conditions, such as pregnancy, arthritis, or gastroesophageal reflux, your preferred sleep position may depend on where you feel pain or discomfort, Abbasi-Feinberg added.
Still, it’s crucial to watch for potential issues when sleeping on your stomach. “Sometimes, sleeping on your stomach can put pressure on the airway,” warned Wu, who advised watching for snoring or sleep apneas. (Sleep apnea can also worsen when sleeping on your back.)
If you love sleeping on your stomach, there are specific types of pillows that may be most comfortable for you. Continue reading for expert-recommended features and styles, along with our product suggestions.
1. A low-loft pillow, such as the one from Blissbury
2. A soft, thin pillow like this one, possibly the thinnest available
3. An ergonomic pillow from the Belly Sleep Store, designed for comfort
4. A full-body pillow offering enhanced support
5. A flexible body pillow offering gentle, wraparound support
This floppy body pillow from Buffy is an excellent choice for stomach sleepers. It provides full-body support and is flexible enough to tie into a knot, allowing stomach sleepers to adjust it to their exact preferences.
Each pillow repurposes around 55 plastic bottles, and it features a soft eucalyptus lyocell cover that gets softer with every wash.
Available at Buffy for $81.75 (originally $109).
6. An under-the-hip pillow for spine alignment
7. A pillow with removable inner layers, offering customizable comfort
8. A versatile, multi-layered pillow for added flexibility
