How To Choose the Best Mattress For Stomach Sleepers [2025 Guide]

What is the best mattress for stomach sleepers?

For stomach sleepers, the Purple Essentials collection offers the best selection of mattresses, thanks to their medium-firm to firm feel. These mattresses provide pressure relief and support specifically designed to prevent back pain in stomach sleepers.

Mattress support is important for everyone — but it is especially critical if you’re a stomach sleeper. Without the right support, sleeping on your stomach can cause significant back and neck pain, making it hard to get a good night’s rest.¹ A mattress that caters to stomach sleepers can provide the necessary support to keep your spine aligned and prevent back pain. 

Ready to start sleeping better? Read along to learn about the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.

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What Is the Best Mattress Type For Stomach Sleepers?

Personal comfort is always the top priority when choosing a mattress. But for stomach sleepers, a firm to medium firm hybrid mattress is going to be the best pick. In comparison to a plush mattress, firm mattresses provide stronger support for the hips and midsection, which keeps the spine in alignment during the night.

As Tyler Wright from the Purple Product Team explains, “Various factors, such as body size, will ultimately determine how firm of a mattress stomach sleepers should use, with larger body sizes requiring a bit firmer mattress.” 

Best Overall Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: The Purple Mattress®

Alternative for: Nectar Luxe Hybrid Mattress

Overall, the best mattress for stomach sleepers is The Purple Mattress®. With over 22,000 5-star reviews, our signature mattress uses gel memory foam as part of our signature 2” GelFlex Grid® (or Gel Matrix™), which relieves pressure for stomach sleepers while also dissipating heat.

With its medium-firm feel, The Purple Mattress® offers the appropriate level of support that stomach sleepers need, while the foam base provides stability and motion isolation for when you shift positions. Comfort foam also conforms to your body’s position to enhance your comfort in any position.

• Key Features: 9.5” thickness, 2” GelFlex Grid®, comfort layer, foam base, edge support foam, softflex cover
• Materials: Non-toxic, hypoallergenic, Certified Clean Air GOLD
• Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
• Price: $999-$2,198

Reviewers love how The Purple Mattress® reduces pain in their back, shoulders, hips, and other areas.

“I'm definitely sleeping better and longer. I'm not making as many rotations and flip flops throughout the night.” — Eran K., Purple Mattress review

Check out our signature mattress today and start enjoying the quality sleep you’ve been missing.

Best Firm Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: PurpleFlex™ Mattress

Alternative for: Plank Firm Mattress

One important consideration for many stomach sleepers is deciding between a firm vs. medium mattress. Generally, a firmer mattress is the best mattress for heavy stomach sleepers — and this is where the PurpleFlex™ Mattress comes in. With its firm feel, this mattress is a great pick for stomach sleepers, providing essential support and comfort.

Just like the original Purple Mattress®, the PurpleFlex™ Mattress features a 2” GelFlex Grid® that adapts to your sleep position and cradles pressure points such as the knees and chest. At the same time, the firmer support keeps your hips and spine properly aligned while sleeping on your stomach to prevent back pain.

• Key Features: 8” thickness, 2” GelFlex Grid, edge support foam, base support foam, softflex cover
• Materials: Non-toxic, hypoallergenic, Certified Clean Air GOLD
• Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King
• Price: $699-$1,698

The PurpleFlex™ Mattress is our firmest mattress, making it a great option for sleepers who prefer a firmer feel.

“The best bed I have ever had. My chronic back pain lessened over night and I woke up feeling refreshed and rested for the first time in years.” — G. R., PurpleFlex™ review

Make the switch to the PurpleFlex™ Mattress for the firm support you need!

Best Hybrid Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: Restore® Hybrid Mattress

Alternative for: Stearns & Foster Estate

When deciding between memory foam vs. hybrid mattresses, stomach sleepers should know that memory foam usually isn’t the best choice. Memory foam tends to sink, which can put your spine out of alignment when sleeping on your stomach. Because of this, the best mattress for stomach sleepers may be a hybrid mattress — like the Restore® Hybrid Mattress.

The medium feel of this mattress is complemented by its edge-to-edge coils, which provide responsive support for any sleep position. This adaptive response to your body’s movements keeps your spine aligned while relieving pressure on the hips and shoulders.

• Key Features: 11.5” thickness, 2” GelFlex Grid, edge-to-edge coils, edge support system, antimicrobial finish, comfort layer
• Materials: Non-toxic, hypoallergenic, Certified Clean Air GOLD
• Sizes: Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
• Price: $1,999-$3,998

By combining the instantly adaptive Matrix™ technology with edge-to-edge coils, the Restore® Hybrid Mattress offers responsive support and pressure point cradling for stomach sleepers.

“My wife and I had been struggling finding a bed that alleviated her back pain. We'd already tried 3 and were lost with what to do. The purple restore hybrid has been great for both of us!” — Nathan N., Restore® Hybrid review

Say goodbye to nighttime tossing and turning with the Restore® Hybrid Mattress.

Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers with Back Pain: Purple RestorePlus® Hybrid Mattress

Alternative for: Saatva Classic

Getting relief from aches and pains can make a world of difference for all sleepers, but especially for stomach sleepers. The Purple RestorePlus® Hybrid is one of the best mattresses for back pain, promoting spinal alignment with 3-Zone Edge-to-Edge coils for targeted support and the soothing pressure relief of the GelFlex Grid®.

• Key features: 3x cooler*, advanced pressure relief, targeted support
• Materials: 3-Zone Edge-to-Edge Coil support system, 3” GelFlex Grid®, Ultra Comfort Foam, moisture-wicking antimicrobial cover
• Sizes: Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
• Price: $2,549 - $5,098

*Disclaimer: Thermal test and heat flux study conducted by Purple on Purple Hybrid™ mattresses in 2023.

Reviewers who switch to the RestorePlus® Hybrid Mattress love how it reduces pain in their back and hips, helping them get better sleep.

“The best feature of this mattress is its ability to provide substantial pressure relief. I suffer from shoulder pain and lower back pain. This has been the best solution!” — Carmen J., RestorePlus® review

Get better back support with the Purple RestorePlus® Hybrid Mattress. 

Best Mattress for All Sleep Positions: RestorePremier® Mattress

Alternative for: Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid

Finding a mattress for back pain is often a top priority for stomach sleepers, and for good reason. Sleeping on your stomach is usually considered the worst position for your back because of how it flattens the curve of the spine.² The Purple RestorePremier® Hybrid Mattress is perfectly suited for targeting back pain in stomach sleepers, even with a soft feel.

The Purple RestorePremier® Hybrid Mattress combines a 3” GelFlex Grid® with dynamic responsive CoolFlex foam coils to provide full support for your body’s pressure points. By conforming to your contours and sleep position, each part of your body gets the right level of support to keep your spine aligned while enjoying a comfortable night’s sleep. Our breakthrough cooling technology also makes this mattress great for hot sleepers!

• Key Features: 13” thickness, 3” GelFlex Grid, CoolFlex coils, edge support, ultra comfort layer, antimicrobial finish, moisture-wicking cover
• Materials: Non-toxic, hypoallergenic, Certified Clean Air GOLD
• Sizes: Twin XL, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
• Price: $3,249-$6,498

Reviewers who switch to the Purple RestorePremier® Hybrid Mattress love how it reduces pain in their back and hips, while also helping them get better sleep.

“This is an amazing mattress. I've never slept this good. My wife and I replaced our decade old previous mattress and now we tell all of our friends and family they need to make the switch to get their best night's sleep!” — Bryan S., RestorePremier® review

Say goodbye to back pain with the Purple RestorePremier® Hybrid Mattress. 

How To Choose a Mattress for Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleepers have different pressure relief and support needs than back or side sleepers, and it’s important that your mattress meets those needs. Here’s how to choose the best mattress for stomach sleepers.

1. Consider Spinal Alignment

Keeping your spine aligned during sleep is a common challenge for stomach sleepers.³ To keep your spine aligned, the best mattress type for stomach sleepers is a medium-firm to firm mattress. A firm mattress prevents your midsection from sinking too deeply, which helps keep your spine aligned.

2. Look for Zoned Support

Zoned support can also make a big difference for stomach sleepers by offering varying levels of support for different parts of the body. With zoned support, a mattress offers firmer support in the middle (the area around your hips) and softer zones at the shoulders and legs. This maximizes comfort while properly relieving pressure on your body.

3. Weigh the Cons of Plush Tops

While plush tops may seem more comfortable, they aren’t the best beds for stomach sleepers. The extra cushioning of a plush top mattress can actually cause your body to sink too far (and unevenly) into the mattress, especially around the hips. This pulls your spine out of alignment, which can cause lower back pain and stiffness. 

4. Opt for a Responsive Surface

Stomach sleepers are more likely to shift positions during sleep.⁴ Depending on the type of surface your mattress has, you or your partner could experience sleep disruptions each time you move. Because of this, stomach sleepers should look for mattresses with a responsive surface. A responsive surface adapts quickly to your movements, making it easier to shift positions during the night without major disruptions.

5. Try Before You Buy

As Tyler Wright explains, “Stomach sleeping may cause tension and various parts of the body including the lower back. If not getting proper support from your mattress, these problems can be further aggravated.”

To ensure your new mattress actually solves your problems, make sure it comes with a solid sleep trial so you can test it out. All Purple mattresses come with a 100 day refundable sleep trial so you can be sure you get the right fit.

Tips for Sleeping On Your Stomach

Even if you have the best stomach sleeper mattress, there are still a few things you can (and should) try to reduce neck and back pain. Here are some tips every stomach sleeper should follow to get a better night’s sleep.

1. Use a Thin Pillow: Many stomach sleepers do best with a thin pillow — or no pillow at all! This helps keep your neck in a more neutral position that reduces strain and discomfort. Do a pillow comparison before you buy to find a thin pillow.
2. Place a Pillow Under Your Pelvis:  Many stomach sleepers also find it helpful to put an extra pillow under their pelvis. The extra support keeps your lower back from arching unnaturally during sleep. This reduces pressure on your spine so you won’t feel sore in the morning.
3. Turn Your Head Less Sharply:  Keeping your head turned sharply to the side during sleep can make your neck feel stiff and sore in the morning. To keep from getting too stiff, try alternating which side you turn your head to at night. You could also try a slightly face-down position, which won’t strain your neck as much.
4. Use a Mattress with Good Support:  As Tyler Wright explains, “Stomach sleepers should look for a firm/medium firm mattress that’s supportive and keeps the midsection/hips from sinking too far into the mattress and helps maintain spinal alignment.” 
5. Try a Modified Position:  Even with these steps, stomach sleepers can still experience discomfort at night. Modifying your sleep position could help, even if you don’t want to completely switch to sleeping on your side or back. For example, a ¾ stomach/side position (like the “recovery” position) where you have one leg bent and use a body pillow for support can help relieve pain.⁵

Are Purple Beds Good For Stomach Sleepers?

So, what is the best mattress for stomach sleepers? If you’ve been searching high and low for the best mattress for stomach sleepers, give Purple a try! Purple mattress differences include amazing features like our GelFlex Grid, which provides pressure relief at the chest and knees and firm support for the hips and midsection, cradling your body while still giving the level of support that stomach sleepers need.

Purple beds are an excellent choice for stomach sleepers — and with our 100 night sleep trial, you can try risk-free and feel the difference for yourself. 

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Purple offers firm mattress options to provide adequate support for stomach sleepers

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