Although the majority of people sleep on their side or back, there is still a large number of stomach sleepers. This position is not recommended because of the strain it puts on your neck and shoulders unless you use a special pillow of course. A regular pillow may suit side or back sleeping positions, but it will not be the best pillow for stomach sleepers because it props the neck into an awkward upward position which affects breathing and spinal alignment. This causes pain on the neck and lower back.
We know how hard it can be for stomach sleepers to identify the right pillow for them since the majority of pillows are geared towards people who sleep on their side or back. This is why our review includes the fundamental features you should consider before investing in one. We evaluated the height because a pillow that is too low or too high will affect the natural alignment of the neck with the spine. Additionally, we assessed the material used in the pillow and on the cover because it has a direct impact on the level of firmness, comfort, and breathability of the pillow. The right type of material will also eliminate allergic reactions.
The above features coupled with reviews from verified buyers were extensively analyzed in a number of models to come up with our best pillow for stomach sleepers list. We then further compared the performance of our best models, based on their detailed features, pros, and cons, and captured the results in a comparison table. Next, we incorporated a buying guide which contains an FAQ segment and an in-depth exploration of the essential features any best pillow for stomach sleepers should possess. Finally, we summed up this review with an overview of our best three picks.
More features: CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX certified; ventilation holes for airflow
This pillow measures 2.25 inches high at a solid medium firmness, which is the combination stomach sleepers usually need: enough foam to fill the gap under the head, not enough to arch the neck backwards. The memory foam is infused with cooling gel and carries small ventilation holes, so heat does not build up under your face through the night.
The cover reverses between silky ice fabric and soft rayon, and it comes off for machine washing to keep sweat and dust off the foam. The foam is certified by CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX, and the flat shape is even stackable if you want a little more height, though side sleepers will still find it far too low.
More features: six soft stackable inner pillow layers for height adjustment; pillow case is zippered on three sides
If you are the kind of sleeper who enjoys stacking pillows to customize them to suit your sleeping needs, then you will enjoy this adjustable multiple layer model that comes with six stackable flat pads. All the layers form a pillow that is approximately ten inches in height. The pillow layers allow you to customize the height for better support and comfort. They are able to compress without going flat since they do not shift around a lot.
The inside is filled with microfiber polyester which provides a soft down alternative. Stomach sleepers who are prone to allergic reactions can safely use this pillow because it is hypoallergenic.
The outer cover is made of 100% cotton with a thread count of 300 to keep the fill from sliding out of the seams. Zippers on three sides of the cover allow you to add or remove layers to adjust the pillow to six different heights. You can even use some of the layers to make another pillow. This kind of versatility makes this pillow one of the best pregnancy pillows for stomach sleepers because you can place it under the knee, pelvis, lower back or any part of the body to relieve pressure joints. It is an all-in-one pillow that can actually work for any sleeping position.
Cleaning is a breeze because both the pillow and cover are compatible with a washing machine and dryer.
The downside to this pillow is the filling material which holds onto heat and can also get lumpy.
More features: made in the USA; inner zipper for fill adjustment
Loft is the whole problem for stomach sleepers, and this pillow hands that decision back to you. An inner zipper opens onto the shredded memory foam fill, so you can take out as much as you want until the pillow sits low enough to keep your neck level with the rest of your spine instead of cranked upward.
Shredded fill leaves air channels through the pillow instead of a solid block of foam, and the micro-vented cover moves heat off the surface rather than holding it under your face. The pillow is made in the USA and GREENGUARD certified for low chemical emissions, and at this price it is an inexpensive way to find out whether a low-loft foam pillow suits the way you sleep.
More features: extra bag of fill included
Stomach sleepers with a sore neck usually need a pillow that sits much lower than the standard block, and this one lets you get there yourself: open it up, remove as much of the cross-cut memory foam and microfiber fill as you like, and the loft drops until your head rests close to the mattress. If you later find it too flat, the extra bag of fill in the box lets you build it back up.
The blend of cross-cut foam and fiber molds to the head without the solid, unyielding feel of a single foam slab, and the Lulltra fabric cover is soft and breathable against the face. The foam is CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certified and made fresh rather than from recycled material, which matters when your nose is pressed against the pillow all night.
More features: RestAssured hypoallergenic down, machine washable and dryable
This extra thin down pillow is built specifically for stomach sleepers, so it sits nearly flat under the head rather than pushing the neck out of line with the spine.
The fill is 525 to 550 fill power hypoallergenic RestAssured white duck down, held in a soft 500 thread count long staple cotton damask shell. The whole pillow is machine washable and dryable, so it does not need special cleaning.
Because the fill is all down, you can push it around and redistribute it to build up slightly more height where you want it, which also makes this a workable thin layer to add on top of a firmer pillow.
More features: cooling gel layer on both sides; Queen size (27 x 19 x 6.4 inches)
This is the Tempur-Pedic pick for stomach sleepers who want a soft pillow that lets the head sink in rather than propping it up. The single piece of TEMPUR-Material comes in an extra-soft feel and adapts to the shape of your head, neck and shoulders, which helps relieve the pressure that builds up when you sleep face down with your neck turned to one side.
A layer of cooling gel sits on both sides of the pillow to absorb excess heat, and the quilted cotton cover is removable and machine washable. This is the Queen size, measuring 27 by 19 by 6.4 inches, and the manufacturer does not specify a trial period or warranty.
Stomach sleepers are not as common as side and back sleepers. Subsequently, there are fewer pillows designed specifically for them. This makes their search for the right pillow even harder and time-consuming. It is for this reason that we have included this informative section which you can use as a reference when making your decision. You will find more information on the essential features and answered questions in the FAQ section included in this buying guide.
Sleeping on your stomach is considered the unhealthiest sleeping position when you use the wrong pillow because a pillow that is too high or too low exerts pressure on the neck, spine and lower back. Craning your neck and twisting it into an unnatural position can also interfere with your breathing. Otherwise, the best pillow for stomach sleepers aligns your neck, shoulders and spine for optimal support and comfort.
Below are the features that will help you select the best pillow letting you comfortably sleep on your stomach without the unhealthy consequences.
Pillow height and firmnessPillow height is also referred to as pillow loft or pillow thickness, and is calculated in inches. Firmness, on the other hand, refers to the stiffness and resistance of the pillow and is rated from extra firm to extra plush. We are going to discuss both because they go hand in hand but are not necessarily an indication of each other; a soft down pillow such as DOWNLITE Extra Thin Down Pillow for Stomach Sleepers can compress to almost nothing under the head, while a low pillow like Iwacool Ultra Slim Cooling Gel Pillow can still feel solid and supportive.
The right height and firmness of the pillow will depend on your sleeping position, size and weight, firmness of the mattress, and pillow placement. The ultimate goal should be to properly support your head in a natural position and align your neck and shoulders with the proper curve of the spine to avoid neck stiffness and back pain.
Sleeping position
Stomach sleepers require a low and soft pillow, or a plush and compressible medium height pillow that will prevent neck craning and back arching, and instead take pressure off the spine and pelvis, and allow the head to turn comfortably to the sides.
Size and weight
Large or heavy sleepers should opt for lower and thinner pillows because they exert more pressure on the mattress and sink more into it than light and small sleepers. Please note that this applies to the overall size and weight. Head size and weight, on the other hand, is different because people with large or heavy heads need the support provided by thicker pillows with a higher profile.
Mattress firmness
Whereas a soft mattress causes you to sink more and reduce the gap between your natural head position and the bed, a firm unyielding mattress positions your head high above it which necessitates a high-lofted pillow to bridge the gap.
Pillow placement
If you place only a partial portion of the pillow under your head, you should consider a thicker pillow. But if you place it fully under your head, then a pillow with a low profile would be more suitable.
The type of filling material has an impact on the comfort, support, malleability, and durability of the pillow. The following are the most common types of material used to fill out a pillow.
Memory foam is known for pressure relief, comfort and contouring capability whereby it conforms to your body shape. This type of fillings makes pillows soft and provides ample support for your neck, head and shoulders. Their downside is the tendency to retain body heat and the initial chemical odor they emit. Gel is sometimes infused into the memory foam to counteract retention of heat. Shredded memory foam is moldable for height adjustment.
Down refers to the soft plumage found underneath the outer feathers of birds. They are used for making soft and luxurious pillows which are light, breathable and more durable than other fillings because down becomes finer with age.
Their main advantage is that down fillings can be shifted around to adjust the height and firmness of the pillow. However, they are also more expensive than feather ones.
Microfiber features similarities with down filling material because it is soft, comfortable and airy for optimal circulation of air. Pillows filled with microfiber are quite expensive.
Cotton, polyester, bamboo rayon, and flannel are the most common material used for pillow covers.
The best cover for a pillow should be soft, breathable, absorbent, removable, easy to clean and machine-washable, and well-knitted or sewn to prevent the filling from slipping out. Some pillows like Iwacool Ultra Slim Cooling Gel Pillow include an inner cover to protect the filling, while adjustable models such as Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Pillow let you open the pillow and add or remove filling to suit your needs.
Since your face literally lies next to the pillow, it is essential to select a hypoallergenic cover that will not trigger or exacerbate hypersensitive reactions.
Warranty inspires confidence and reviewing its conditions should be one of the critical considerations. You can get this information from the seller or verified buyers online. Unfortunately, this information is not always available as we found out with DOWNLITE Extra Thin Down Pillow for Stomach Sleepers.
The good thing is that majority of manufacturers avail their warranty conditions as well as other incentives applicable. A good example is Xtreme Comforts Slim Standard Bamboo Pillow which comes with 30-day money back guarantee and a six-year warranty.
Extra features add value, convenience, and flexibility to the pillow. Some of the features may include:
Adjustable height and comfort: Pillows like Pancake Adjustable Layer Pillow come in six stackable layers that can be added or removed to adjust the height of the pillow. This makes them great for stomach sleepers because they can be customized for the optimal comfort and support. They also have zippered sides for easy access. The shredded memory foam filling in Xtreme Comforts Slim Standard Bamboo Pillow and the down filling in DOWNLITE Extra Thin Down Pillow for Stomach Sleepers can be molded and redistributed according to your preferences.
Machine-compatible: Not all covers are removable, and even the ones that can be removed may not be used with a washing machine or dryer. This makes cleaning them inconvenient and time-consuming.
Other sizes available: Pillows that are available in different sizes provide multiple options for our available bed size and other sleeping needs. For instance, Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt ProLo Queen Size Pillow is available in King and Queen sizes while Xtreme Comforts Slim Standard Bamboo Pillow comes in three different sizes.
Certification: Considering how close and often we are next to our pillow, it is vital to ensure that it does not expose us to allergens and toxic chemicals. One way to check this is through health and safety certifications awarded by CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX.
Iwacool Ultra Slim Cooling Gel Pillow was our first choice because it has everything you need in a low, supportive pillow for stomach sleepers, and it manages any weaknesses you may anticipate. It features a 2.25-inch profile and memory foam certified by both CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX. Since memory foam retains heat, this pillow adds cooling gel and small ventilation holes to keep that under control. The cover is two-sided, with silky ice fabric on one face and soft rayon on the other, and it comes off for machine washing.
Why buy several types of pillows when you can find all of them in one? Pancake Adjustable Layer Pillow has six stackable layers totaling a height of ten inches. We loved the flexibility it offers to customize comfort, support and height adjustment. You can even make another pillow with some of the layers.
Xtreme Comforts Slim Standard Bamboo Pillow won us over with its versatile shredded memory foam which can be molded to suit any sleeping preference. It is soft, supportive, breathable and CertiPUR-US certified. This pillow is not only our budget choice, but it is also ranked third as the best pillow for stomach sleepers owing to its quality construction, availability in different sizes, 30-day money back guarantee, and a six-year warranty.
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