The 5 Best Pillows for Stomach Sleepers for All-Night Support

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Best overall

Saatva Latex Pillow

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Saatva combines latex, organic cotton and down-like micro denier fibers into one of the best pillows for stomach sleepers. With a soft, breathable cover and responsive head and neck support, this hotel-quality pillow hits our list as the best pillow for stomach sleepers overall.

Peeking into the pillowcase, we find a breathable cover made with organic cotton that wicks away moisture for cooler sleep. The gusseted sides help maintain the shape of the pillow night after night and the thin profile remains plush and adaptive enough to compress under the head so you’ll never greet the morning with kinks in your neck.

While the latex core isn’t washable, the fill layer and cotton cover are machine-washable and dryer friendly.

Pros

• Thin profile protects against neck kinks
• Organic cotton wicks away moisture
• Plush but compresses easily
• Hypoallergenic core

Cons

• Latex may be disagreeable for some
• Only the outer layer is washable

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Best budget

Bluewave Bedding Ultra Slim Gel Memory Foam Pillow

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At just 2.25 inches high and a price tag well under $50, this memory foam pillow is the best pillow for stomach sleepers on a budget. Made with CertiPUR-US-certified gel memory foam and an ultra-slim profile, this pillow offers medium-firm support and spinal alignment. Pair that with an open-cell memory foam construction and added ventilation holes, and we have a pillow with plenty of air circulation that sleeps cool too.

Furthermore, it comes with a zippered, removable bamboo-polyester cover that’s machine washable and dryer friendly. And for those that sleep exceptionally hot, the brand offers a “Max Cool” option with carbon graphite particles for superior cooling. Users should note that this pillow ships in a box, so it may need some time to breathe and decompress.

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Ultra-thin profile
• Memory foam and ventilation holes keep users cool
• Over 7,000 Amazon ratings with a 4.5-star average

Cons

• May not be supportive enough for some

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Best down

​​Brooklinen Down Pillow

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While the Brooklinen Down Pillow appears to have a high loft, it’s plush and soft, so it compresses beautifully for stomach sleepers. Moreover, it comes in plush, mid-plush and firm, but stomach sleepers should note the plush support is the softest and fluffiest of the three. Therefore, it’s the best for good spinal alignment when you’re favorite sleep position is sleeping face down.

This down pillow is designed with down clusters and feather filling, and the edges are double-stitched for exceptional durability. Lastly, the pillow features a 100% cotton sateen cover, but it’s not machine washable, so spot cleaning is recommended as needed.

Pros

• Made with down clusters and feather-filling
• Plush, but compresses easily
• Over 2,500 five-star ratings
• Available in multiple packs
• Three different support options

Cons

• Not machine washable

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Best adjustable

Brooklinen Marlow Pillow

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Made with a combination of 80% memory foam and 20% polyester fiber, Brooklinen’s Marlow Pillow already offers plenty of support, but users may add or remove memory foam for a completely customizable fit. And doing so is as easy as opening the zipper and playing with the memory foam until it’s right.

It’s also designed with cooling-infused foam and breathable mesh, both of which provide exceptional airflow to help users sleep cooler. Doubling down on coolness and comfort, the cotton cover of the Marlow pillow is naturally moisture-wicking.

Pros

• Users may add or remove materials to adjust the firmness
• Sleeps cool
• Available in multiple packs
• 365-day return policy

Cons

• Pillow isn’t machine washable

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Best cooling

Lofe Ultra Slim Memory Foam Pillow

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For stomach sleepers that run hot during the overnight hours, this ultra-slim pillow has a few design features that should keep sleepers comfortable and cool. First, this pillow has a 2.5-inch layer of gel-infused memory foam. Pair that with the pillow’s ventilation holes for exceptional air circulation and a cooler night’s sleep.

And not only is the bamboo cover beautifully breathable, but it also helps wick away moisture. Frequent fliers may be interested to know that Lofe also offers a travel pillow.

Pros

• Made with gel-infused memory foam and ventilation holes to increase air circulation
• Comes with two washable bamboo covers
• Nearly 1,000 Amazon ratings with a 4.5-star average
• Available in multiple support options
• No smell

Cons

• May be too low for some

What to consider when buying the best pillow for stomach sleepers

While anyone shopping for pillows should look for support and breathability, Susan Miller, RPSGT, a certified sleep expert at SleepMattressHQ, tells us that the best pillow for stomach sleepers should have a low loft and an adjustable fill, if possible.

Low loft: “Pillows for stomach sleepers are typically thin or low loft,” says Miller. She adds that this is a critical consideration as a low loft “helps maintain a more neutral alignment of the spine and ultimately prevents excessive neck strain.”

Softness and support: Miller encourages stomach sleepers to “choose a pillow that is soft and supportive.” Ideally, shoppers should pick a pillow that doesn’t force their “head or neck into an unnatural position.” To that end, Miller notes that memory foam or down alternative pillows may be a good balance of support and softness.

Adjustable fill: If at all possible, Miller encourages stomach sleepers to “choose a pillow with adjustable fill or loft, allowing for height and firmness customization.”

Breathable and cooling: Miller tells us the best pillows for stomach sleepers are those made with breathable materials, such as cotton or bamboo covers. These materials help “promote airflow and dissipate heat to sleep comfortably,” she says.

Easy to clean: All sleepers should opt for pillows that are easy to clean and maintain. If you can’t find a pillow that’s completely machine-washable, then look for removable and machine-washable pillow covers that lend themselves to regular cleaning.

Types of pillows for stomach sleepers

Bedding isn’t the same for everyone, and “for stomach sleepers, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all pillow material,” says Miller. “The best material for a pillow depends on the sleeper’s personal preferences, including the level of support and softness desired.”

Some of the best pillow materials for stomach sleepers are:

• Memory Foam: “Memory foam pillows provide excellent support and pressure relief because they contour to the shape of your head and neck,” Miller says. “For stomach sleepers who prefer a firmer feel and those who need support for their neck and spine, memory foam is a good option. Those looking for memory foam pillows should look for lower-density foams or a softer feel to prevent excessive elevation and discomfort.” Hot sleepers should look for “gel-infused memory foam or gel fiber fill that regulates temperature by dissipating heat,” she adds.
• Latex: Miller tells us, “Latex pillows are another good option and are best for their durability, support and responsiveness. They offer a slightly firmer feel compared to memory foam but still conform to the shape of your head and neck.” Moreover, she notes that “natural latex pillows are breathable and resistant to dust mites and mold.”
• Down: Down pillows are another excellent option for stomach sleepers. Unlike memory foam and latex, down pillows are lofty and plush. They cradle the head beautifully, and they compress well to accommodate stomach sleepers.

How we found the best pillows for stomach sleepers

As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.

FAQ

Is soft or firm better for stomach sleepers?

Stomach sleepers should opt for a soft pillow with a low loft that’s easily compressible.

Why do some people sleep on their stomachs?

While some people may sleep on their stomachs purely out of habit or because they find it comfortable, others may choose to sleep on their stomachs to aid in digestion or help mitigate snoring or the symptoms of sleep apnea.

What kind of pillow should a stomach sleeper get?

Stomach sleepers generally benefit from softer and flatter pillows than other sleep positions.

About the Expert

• Susan Miller, RPSGT, is a certified sleep expert at SleepMattressHQ.com, a publication that focuses on providing the most up-to-date information on pillows, mattresses and sleep in general.