Best Mattresses For Stomach Sleepers

Do you sleep on your stomach, lying on your front? You’re not alone! In our ‘Big Irish Sleep Survey’,  sleeping on your stomach was the second most popular sleeping position (15.18% of respondents said this was their favourite sleeping position) after sleeping on your side (65.3%).

Sleeping on your stomach can be very comfortable for some, but it’s important to recognise that sleeping on your front can put pressure on your neck, back, shoulder and hips, so ensuring you have the best mattress for this sleeping position will help you to continue sleeping on your stomach with maximum comfort, minimising aches and pains.

As part of our series on mattresses for various sleeping positions, we’ve recommended some information and best mattresses for stomach sleepers below.

Mattress Firmness For Stomach Sleepers

Front sleepers can put pressure on various areas of the body while sleeping, dependent on their position. Most front sleepers turn their head to the side which can cause neck pain and many others may bring a leg up slightly for added comfort, which can affect the spinal alignment while sleeping, causing back pain or discomfort.

The best mattress for front sleepers is a firm, supportive mattress as it will ensure that the spine and body don’t sink too far into your mattress, bringing it below head level and disturbing the natural alignment of the head during sleep.

A soft mattress will not provide sufficient support for front sleepers, as your body is heavier it will sink into a soft mattress, taking your torso out of alignment with your head, putting pressure on the arch of your back as you sleep, which can lead to back pain. 

When it comes to mattresses, a lot of your decision will be based on personal preference, (you can learn more about your options in our Choosing The Best Mattress guide.) so we’ve rounded up some great mattress options for front sleepers below. Pocket sprung, hybrid and memory foam mattresses are all mattress types suitable for front sleepers and we’ve highlighted the benefits of each below.

Best Mattresses For Stomach Sleepers

DFI Recommends: Pocket Sprung Mattress

The pocket sprung mattress contains hundreds of individual springs, each sewn into its own pocket of fabric.

The advantage of this is that the springs within a pocket sprung mattress operate independently of one another, respond to your weight, shape, movement and sleeping position and providing effective weight distribution, which means it is the best mattress for stomach sleepers as it helps keep your spine in alignment by ensuring your head and the rest of your body are in line.

The ability of the individual springs to adjust to the contours of your body can help to provide relief for back and joint pain and also offers stability for front sleepers by providing a firm even surface.

Why is pocket sprung the best mattress for stomach sleepers?

• Pocket sprung mattresses provide even distribution of weight, relieving pressure points, ideal for front sleepers
• Responsive to movement and shape
• Come in a variety of firmness options, firmer being better for front sleepers

We believe that a Pocket Sprung Mattress, such as the DFI Sensation is the best mattress for stomach sleepers.

Option 2: Hybrid Mattress

A hybrid mattress provides the support system of a pocket sprung mattress system with the comfort and pressure relief of a memory foam topping layer.

The pocket sprung element of the mattress ensures that body weight is evenly distributed and the spine is aligned ensuring the body is level with the head, alleviating pressure on the neck, back and joints, making hybrid mattresses a great choice for front sleepers. 

Why is a hybrid mattress good for front/stomach sleepers?

• Memory foam topping provides soft, comfortable topping that stomach sleepers can sink into, without being too soft, providing pressure point relief
• Pocket sprung section provides even distribution of weight and support of the mid-section
• Even distribution of body weight ensures spinal alignment for front sleepers
• Medium level of firmness – combining soft topping with firm pocket sprung mattress core.

Option 3: Memory Foam Mattress

In a memory foam mattress, the material reacts to pressure and heat, changing shape to fit the sleeper’s body. Memory foam mattresses are believed to offer pressure point relief on joint pain, thanks to its contouring properties which allow the material to fit around your body, providing firm support. For stomach sleepers, this ensures an even distribution of your weight, with your head and body on the same level, allowing you to fully sink in and moulding itself to this position, avoiding pressure on the neck and shoulders. 

Why is a memory foam mattress good for stomach sleepers?

• Provides pressure relief for your neck when front sleeping, as well as shoulders, hips, knees and ankles
• Memory foam changes shape to fit your body as your sleeping position change throughout the night
• Memory foam contouring keeps spine in neutral alignment while you sleep

Mattresses for other sleeping positions

Learn more about the best mattresses for other sleeping positions by checking out the posts below:

Best mattress for side sleepers

Best mattress for back sleepers