GoKawiilPeople who don’t sleep on their stomach may look at a stomach sleeper and wonder how this position could possibly be comfortable.
I should know—I'm a former stomach sleeper who can speak to what to look for when shopping for a mattress. I'm also a professional mattress tester with nearly six years of testing experience. I'm also a certified Sleep Science coach, which is basically a personal trainer who helps you sleep better. All to say, I know my stuff and have lived experience with stomach sleeping as well. The main pain point for stomach sleepers is spinal alignment, so a mattress for them should prioritize this feature.
For most stomach sleepers, their head is twisted to the side, putting some strain on the neck and upper back. The lower back has a natural S curve, and if a mattress lacks firmness and/or lumbar support, the back is inclined to sink into the mattress surface. You don't want that. The slightest amount of sinking or putting your back at an angle it's not supposed to be in for prolonged periods (i.e., sleeping for hours) is a surefire way to develop back pain. Make sure your shoulders and hips stay at the same level with a firmer surface, such as the ones we've tested below.
We test mattresses for various scenarios you may encounter, including the Best Mattresses for Back Pain, the Best Cooling Mattresses, the Best Organic Mattresses, and the Best Mattresses we've found to date.
Updated April 2026: I've added two mattresses, the Endy and Saatva HD, as well as details on the best mattress type and pillows for stomach sleeping. I've also ensured pricing is up to date throughout.