Do you always find yourself in pain when you wake up? You may not realize it, but that pain may be the result of your sleeping position. There are three main ways in which people sleep – back, side and stomach. And, of all these, the stomach sleeping position if the worst one for your health and spine.
Why is that?
Sleeping on your stomach causes the weight to settle in the middle of your body. This causes the spine to become out of alignment and puts additional strain on the neck and back. Spinal pain isn’t the only thing that becomes affected either. Since the spinal cord is part of the central nervous system, spine stress can lead to aches and pain throughout your entire body. If you have feelings of numbness or tingling, it may be caused by the way you sleep.
Not only does this disrupt your quality of sleep, but it also hinders you from being productive the next day.
When you sleep on your stomach, you’re forced to sleep with your neck twisted to one side for hours. This will also lead to pain as well as cervical neck problems. If you put your face into a pillow, premature wrinkling is often the result.
The right pillow, in conjunction with the right mattress, can alleviate some of the issues tied to stomach sleeping. If you’re a stomach sleeper, you already know how much of a challenge it can be to find a pillow that offers you ample support without causing you to put your neck in an upward position.
It can be difficult to find a stomach sleeper pillow, as most pillows are created for back and/or side sleepers. The key criteria for finding a stomach sleeper pillow is to look at the pillow loft. Too thin or too thick will affect the spine’s alignment with the neck. You also need to consider what the cover material and fill material is since sleeping face down means looking for a more breathable, softer surface.
Are you a stomach sleeper and need a pillow that is best for your sleeping position? Consider below some of the best pillows for stomach sleepers currently on the market. With a little bit of research, you can find a stomach sleeper pillow that’s best for you.
Table of Contents
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The Best Pillows for Stomach Sleepers
Picture | Product | Key Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Coop Home Goods Adjustable Loft Pillow | - 40 percent bamboo-derived rayon, 60 percent polyester cover | ||
- Soft and compact when used | |||
Elite Rest Thin Natural Latex Pillow | - Hypoallergenic and free of chemicals | ||
- Six adjustable layers ideal for all types of sleepers | |||
Perfect Soft Gel Memory FoamPillow | - Soft, breathable, hypoallergenic cover | ||
- Latest technology provides the best support | |||
Xtreme Comforts Shredded Memory Foam Pillow | - Comes with a six-year warranty |
Coop Home Goods Adjustable Loft Pillow Review
- 40 percent bamboo-derived rayon, 60 percent polyester cover
- Hypoallergenic shredded memory foam
- Fully adjustable loft
Price:
Instead of a single piece of foam, the Coop Home Goods Adjustable Loft Pillow is filled with shredded memory foam, which allows you to adjust it to your position as needed during the night.
There are two reasons this pillow is so worthwhile:
Offers breathability and moldability of down pillows
Offers excellent support and stays cool
Many sleepers love how the Coop Home Goods performs, as it’s one of the most comfortable pillows for people who sleep on their stomachs. While it’s not one of the thinnest options on the list, the shredded foam’s ability to be adjusted means you can mold it to the right position you need at night.
The cover is 60 percent polyester and 40 percent bamboo rayon, which gives the pillow its softness and breathability. It’s also dust-mite resistant and hypoallergenic. U.S. manufactured, it’s been GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US certified, which means it’s both safe and high-quality. As a buyer, you get a 30-day, risk-free trial, so if you’re not happy with your Coop Home Goods Adjustable Loft Pillow, you can return it. And, should you keep it, you get a five-year warranty against manufacturing defects.
DOWNLITE Extra Soft Down Pillow Review
- Soft and compact when used
- Designed solely for stomach sleepers
- Machine washable and dryable
Price:
The majority of the pillows on this list are made of memory foam. However, the DOWNLITE Extra Soft Down Pillow is made of down, which is an excellent alternative to those who don’t like using memory foam products. Many people think that down isn’t the best fill for a face-down position, but the manufacturer designed it specifically for stomach sleepers.
One of the reasons stomach sleepers like the DOWNLITE so much is that it’s very soft – something they greatly prefer. If you’re concerned about the six inches of depth, don’t worry - the pillow compresses down when you’re laying down on it.
Many people who use the DOWNLITE Extra Soft Down Pillow notice that their sleep quality increases after buying it. They often don’t experience any neck and back pains after using it either. Another significant aspect is that it’s hypoallergenic, which is great for sleepers who have allergies. And, you can also throw it in the washer and dryer to keep it fresh, clean, and fluffy.
The DOWNLITE is 26 inches long, but the manufacturer does offer a body pillow of 36 inches long if you want a something bigger. If you are searching for a down pillow for your stomach sleeping position, this is the one you need.
Elite Rest Thin Natural Latex Pillow Review
- Hypoallergenic and free of chemicals
- Won’t flatten
- Pinhole design offers more ventilation
Price:
The Elite Rest 2.75-inch pillow is great for people who sleep on their stomachs because it won’t raise the head up too high. The ergonomic edges are made specially to give stomach and back sleepers the most comfort on a very thin pillow. A flat, lightweight design ensures spinal alignment, can aid in reducing snoring, improves breathing, and alleviates pain in the neck, back and shoulder.
A single piece of natural latex creates the Elite Rest Thin Natural Latex Pillow, which contains no chemicals, is resistant to mildew and dust mites, and is hypoallergenic. If you have any kind of allergies, it’s in your best interest to consider the Elite Rest.
Another positive aspect of latex is its ventilation. Since it doesn’t soak in body heat, you don’t have to worry about overheating while sleeping. Latex is also an extremely durable material, so it won’t break down as quickly as other materials.
While the Elite Rest Thin Natural Latex Pillow can be a bit firm, if you want to reduce the pain, you feel in your shoulders and neck, and like the idea of a removable and washable soft cotton cover, then this is the one for you.
PancakePillow Adjustable Layer Pillow Review
- Six adjustable layers ideal for all types of sleepers
- Soft 300-thread count cotton cover
- Hypoallergenic down alternative fill
Price:
The PancakePillow Adjustable Layer Pillow may seem like a funny name, but this adjustable layer construction will keep all types of sleepers happy and content. The great thing about this product is that you actually get six layers in one thanks to its adjustable design.
That’s right! All PancakePillows have six separate layers, which means you can sleep with just one layer, three layers, or all six layers. It all depends on what your needs are. You can alter your level of support, which is why it’s ideal for stomach sleepers as well as side sleepers and back sleepers. It’s made with hypoallergenic soft down alternative filling, which means allergy sufferers can see some improvement while they sleep.
The interior of the PancakePillow Adjustable Layer Pillow is nice, as it comes with a 300-thread count cotton cover to ensure a comfortable feel. Thanks to the breathable cotton, the cover will remain cool, which makes it great to use even in the dead of summer.
Perfect Soft Gel Memory Foam Pillow Review
- Soft, breathable, hypoallergenic cover
- Ideal for taller people
- Memory foam gives fantastic neck and back support
Price:
A new pillow shouldn’t cost you a fortune, right? However, some are just too expensive for a tight budget. The Perfect Soft Gel Memory FoamPillow was designed just for budget-conscious individuals who need a new pillow to help them get the sleep they crave.
The Perfect Soft is just three inches high, which is about standard for stomach sleeper pillows. If you suffer from a sore neck and have shoulder pain, this is the product to consider. It’s made with gel memory foam, so it contours to the body, giving you all the support and pressure point relief you need.
This is a great product for allergy sufferers as well, and it’s completely safe – designated as OEKO-TEX and CertiPUR-US certified. It can be thrown into the washer, so it remains clean and fresh. The pillow’s cover is very cool to the touch, which makes it great on those hot summer nights. Another benefit to the Perfect Soft Gel Memory FoamPillow is that it’s 24 inches in length, making it longer than other models and great for taller people.
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Pillow Review
- Latest technology provides the best support
- 5-year warranty
- Incredibly soft quilted cotton cover
Price:
Tempur-Pedic, the leaders in memory foam technology, have created the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Pillow. They use technology that aids in individual comfort and support because the manufacturer knows that not everybody is the same. You’ll get personalized support for your shoulders, neck, and back – to ensure you feel rested and refreshed when you wake up.
With the Adaptive Tempur material, the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Pillow retains its shape and provides the best comfort for your back and neck. The soft foam design has a traditional shape but feels extremely soft. However, even though it’s soft, it’s a bit thicker than you see with other products (5.8 inches tall). Although it’s got some height to it, a lot of the height will compress as you lay on it. However, if you want a thin pillow, this is not the one you want.
The cover can be removed and thrown in the washer. It’s made of quilted cotton, which is exceptionally soft and breathable. A demonstration of their belief in the product is notable in the five-year warranty Tempur-Pedic offers all their customers.
Xtreme Comforts Shredded Memory Foam Pillow Review
- Comes with a six-year warranty
- Soft and breathable bamboo cover
- Shredded memory foam contours to shoulders and head
Price:
If you’ve slept on bamboo sheets, you know how soft they can be. If you have yet to experience the luxury, begin with the Xtreme Comforts Shredded Memory Foam Pillow. Why bamboo? It’s not just about its level of softness that aids in sleeping but also the fact that it’s a sustainable product that doesn’t damage the environment. So, if you are looking for an eco-friendly material, this is a good start.
The pillow is a bit firmer, which means some people may not want to use it. However, If you’re tired of waking up with neck and back pain, dealing with snoring or have headaches, then this may be the best choice.
The cover can be washed in the machine. It’s also hypoallergenic, soft, and promotes air circulation, so you stay cool as you sleep. Since it’s hypoallergenic, you don’t have to worry about dust mites and other allergens disrupting your quality of sleep.
The Xtreme Comforts Shredded Memory Foam Pillow does come with a 30-day money-back guarantee when bought online. So if, after several nights of use, you are unhappy with it, you can return it. No questions asked! One of the reasons this product is so popular is its six-year warranty, which is far longer than what most other manufacturers tend to offer.
How To Buy The Best Pillow For Stomach Sleepers
When it comes to buying pillows, stomach sleepers tend to have the most difficult time getting a pillow that meets their specific sleeping position. Stomach sleeping causes the neck to strain because a person must put their neck to one side as they sleep. This causes the spine to become strained as the weight isn’t distributed evenly.
The choice in pillows can make or break your sleep quality. Pillows too thick for stomach sleepers will lead to aches and pains in the neck, back and shoulders. Pillows too thin won’t provide them ample support, which will also lead to problems.
What should you know about stomach sleeping pillows? What factors do you need to consider before you purchase any pillow? How can you find the best pillow for a stomach sleeper like yourself?
It’s important to know that regular stomach sleeping is seen in six to seven percent of the population, typically in the “freefall position. This position means they put both their hands under the pillow with one leg fully extended and the other bent at the knee.
What Benefits Does Stomach Sleeping Have?
There are only two noteworthy reasons to sleep on your stomach, but in most cases, doctors advise against the practice.
- Decrease of Snoring – Back sleepers are the likeliest of all sleeping types to suffer from snoring. That’s due to the collapse of their tongue and soft palate, which causes the vibration. Stomach sleeping ensures the pathway is open, so snoring is less likely to occur.
- Could Help with Sleep Apnea – People who suffer from sleep apnea actually stop breathing at night while they sleep, especially if they lie on their back. Stomach and side sleeping keeps the airway clear, which offers a worthwhile solution.
What Are The Drawbacks To Sleeping On Your Stomach
Doctors strongly discourage people from sleeping on their stomachs for the health risks and comfort problems associated with it, such as:
- Spinal Stain – The majority of people carry most of their weight in the stomach, and when sleeping on the back or side, it provides them with the break needed to recover from the strain. However, sleeping on your stomach doesn’t alleviate the weight on the body and flattens the spine curvature. If you suffer from back pain when waking up with a stomach sleeping position, this is why.
- Neck Pain – The majority of stomach sleepers sleep with one side of their head turned, as it’s not comfortable to sleep with your head buried in the pillow. This can result in neck strain in the stomach sleepers.
- Uncomfortable For Pregnant Women – While sleeping on your stomach is not dangerous to your unborn child, it can be difficult as your belly gets bigger.
- Wrinkles – If you sleep with your face in the pillow, you increase your chances of developing wrinkles early on. (Side sleepers also have this problem if they sleep to one side of the pillow all the time).
- Lack of Quality Sleep – Stomach sleeping is not very comfortable to sleep in, which is a reason many people will toss and turn at night to find a position they can get into. This affects how well they sleep at night and make them feel less than productive the next day.
It is not easy to change how you sleep, and the longer you sleep in one position, the tougher it’s going to be to break the habit and get into a new position.
Stomach sleeping isn’t the best position to sleep in. Still, if it’s the position you feel most comfortable, then you need to find the best pillow for stomach sleepers to reduce your chances of suffering from the potential adverse effects.
This means you need a thin pillow – one designed particularly for stomach sleepers. This will help to reduce the pressure that comes with the uneven weight distribution and ensure the spine stays in its natural state.
Why Should You Use A Stomach Sleeper Pillow?
Any pillow you use will have a lot more impact on your health than you think. After all, it affects your spine’s alignment, your breathing and how you wake up feeling every morning. Stomach sleepers need to find the best pillow for stomach sleepers to ensure their neck stays in a comfortable position while they sleep.
If your pillow is too thick, your head is tilted upward. Therefore, you need to get a pillow with a low-loft option. When you have the right stomach sleeper pillow, you will notice a change in how you feel. You may experience the following benefits:
- You Quickly Fall Asleep – Most people have had a hard time getting to sleep and staying that way. If you suffer from this problem regularly, it won’t be long before you feel tired all the time. However, with the right stomach sleeper pillow, you’ll be able to fall asleep faster and stay that way during the night.
- You Feel Better Rested – It’s imperative that you sleep deeply for as long as you can to wake up feeling good the next day. Your quality of sleep will dictate how you feel the next day. Will you think clearly? Will you have a healthy mental look at things? If you use the wrong pillow, it can cause your neck and back to go into an unnatural position and cause you undue pain. The right pillow means adequate support for these areas and better night sleep.
- You Alleviate Tension – When your back and neck are sleeping in an odd position, it can lead to undue strain on the body. If you wake up feeling stiff or sore, it’s time to look for a stomach sleeper pillow that provides you with ample support and better your sleeping experience. You may discover a pillow that will eliminate the pain entirely.
The average pillow offers neck support if you sleep on your back or side, but stomach pillows are dedicated to offering support to the neck due to their thin nature. Since these pillows are thin, they don’t cause the neck to go upward, and they don’t bring the spine out of alignment. While you can’t do anything about the neck twisting, you can alleviate the pressure on your spine by ensuring it stays straight.
This is why it’s imperative you purchase a stomach sleeper pillow. They help to decrease the morning neck and back pain.
What Should You Factor In Before You Purchase A Stomach Sleeper Pillow?
When you’re in the market for a stomach sleeper pillow, you want one that offers you the most comfort. This will be one that provides you with more than ample support of your back and neck. Be sure the pillow you get doesn’t get in the way of your breathing. With that in mind, what should you be mindful of when buying your stomach sleeping pillow?
Fill Material
If you’re a stomach sleeping, you’ll want a pillow that’s got a breathable filling and cover. Which fills and covers are best to give you this?
- Down – This comes from the underside of geese and ducks, is exceptionally soft and breathable. Since you can remove the down out of the pillow, you can adjust them to fit your needs. Down pillows can be thin and supportive, which makes them such a worthwhile option for people who sleep on their stomachs. The drawback to them? They are expensive and can cause allergies in some folks.
- Feathers – These pillows are made from the outer feathers of geese and ducks. They are usually firmer than down but are also adjustable and breathable. They can suit stomach sleepers to getting a good night’s rest.
- Memory Foam – Memory foam pillows are comprised of a dense polyurethane material that is also conforming. These pillows are supportive and thin, which is a reason stomach sleepers tend to purchase them. The drawback to them is the smell they are packaged in. It can take some time to air out the pillow.
- Shredded Memory Foam – Solid memory foams are just one piece of memory foam, while shredded memory foam is a bunch of little foam pieces. This makes them advantageous to conventional memory foam pillows. They tend to be cooler, are adjustable and can breathe.
- Water Fill – The biggest advantage of a water fill pillow is the fact that you can increase or decrease their size.
What Materials Should Stomach Sleepers Avoid In Their Pillows?
- Latex – These pillows are manufactured using either natural or synthetic rubber, which is dense and durable. However, since they cannot be adjusted, they are generally too thick for people who sleep on their stomachs.
- Buckwheat – These pillows are made out of the firm buckwheat kernels husks, and even though they are adjustable, they are typically too firm for stomach sleepers.
- Polyester – These pillows, which are filled with interlocking or shredded fabric, provide excellent shape retention. Beyond that, they don’t offer a lot of support, are too thick and don’t last very long.
Size
Pillow size is a crucial aspect to factor in when buying the best pillow for stomach sleepers. If a pillow is too small, it won’t give the sleeper ample neck and back support. A pillow that’s the right size will keep a person from tossing and turning. There are six standard sizes of stomach sleeper pillows:
- Standard (20” x 26”) – This is the most common pillow size, which is also quite compact. For that reason, it tends to be the cheapest of them all. Standard pillows are not recommended for those people who toss and turn in their sleep. The pillow doesn’t provide them with enough space to move around, and their head may actually fall off the pillow.
- Super Standard (20” x 28”) – This is the wider alternative of the Standard pillow, and is suitable for those who can’t stay still while sleeping. Again, some people may feel it’s not long enough. This type of pillow is not as commonly seen on the market.
- Queen (20” x 30”) – The Queen pillow is four inches bigger than the Standard and tends to be the best pillow for toss and turners.
- King (20” x 36”) – This pillow is 10 inches longer than the Standard, which is great for people who toss and turn, as well as those who want to read or watch TV in bed.
- Euro (Varying Dimensions) – Unlike other pillows, these pillows are square-shaped with dimensions of 20” x 20” or 26” x 26”. The majority of Americans do not see them as their primary sleeping pillows, but rather a head or back rest.
- Body (48 to 54” x 20”) – The most extended type of pillow out there is the body pillow, and is usually used by individuals to like snuggling with something as they sleep. Stomach sleepers, however, don’t typically “snuggle” pillows while they sleep.
You can also find a specialty small size pillow, which is usually offered for cervical memory foam pillows. These sit below the neck and head. They are not advertised for stomach sleepers, as they tend to be thicker and these individuals need a thin pillow to get a good night’s rest.
Loft
One really crucial factor stomach sleepers need to consider when trying to find the best pillows for stomach sleepers is the loft. There are three basic pillow loft categories:
- Low-loft – These are pillows that measure three inches or less in thickness.
- Medium-loft – These pillows measure anywhere from three to five inches thick.
- High-loft – These pillows have a thickness of more than five inches.
When you’re a stomach sleeper, the loft needs to be your primary consideration for choosing the best pillow for stomach sleepers. You want a pillow that keeps the head from craning upwards. Most stomach sleepers do best with a low-to-medium loft pillow. A higher loft pillow may be used for people who have broad shoulders or a big head.
How do you know if you have the right pillow? Lay down naturally on your pillow, and get someone to watch your position or take a picture of you to see if the spine is in alignment. A healthy alignment of your spine means something neutral – horizontal.
The best stomach sleeper pillows are those with an adjustable loft. When you have the ability to adjust your pillows, you can experiment with various heights to find the best one for your needs and desires.
Support and Firmness
While a low loft is something you need to consider when looking for the best pillow for stomach sleepers, you also need to be aware of the firmness. A pillow that’s softer and plusher will work far better because it will compress and alleviate the pressure placed on the lower back and neck. While there are some exceptions to this, you still should be using a softer pillow for stomach sleeping.
To sleep well at night, your spine needs to be aligned with your neck to ensure proper posture. A pillow with soft support will provide that for you when you’re sleeping on your stomach. You should have a firm mattress but a soft pillow.
Consider the purchase of an adjustable pillow, as you can experiment with the level of firmness to find the one that’s best for you.
Breathability
Many people love to feel warm and cozy, especially in the winter. However, too warm of a feeling can interrupt your sleep. Therefore, you need to find a stomach sleeper pillow that offers airflow and breathability. The most cooling pillows on the market are natural down or latex pillows. These don’t lock in heat and allow you to sleep cooler.
Memory foam pillows are not well-known for their cooling factor, but shredded memory foam, on the other hand, promotes airflow. If you want a memory foam pillow, make sure to find one with a cooling gel in it.
Avoid using microfiber pillows because they also trap heat, making it uncomfortable to sleep all night.
Moldability
This is in reference to how easy you can reshape or mold your pillow for your neck and head position. Stomach sleepers really need to keep this in mind when buying their pillow. If you have a hard time finding a comfortable position to sleep in, you want a pillow that will move when you do while sleeping.
Cover Material
It’s nice when you have a pillow cover that you can remove and wash. After all, the pillow covers give you some additional protection against stains. If you suffer from allergies, make sure to find a cover that’s hypoallergenic. The majority of cotton covers are soft and breathable. Bamboo covers give you a soft sleep feeling, and it’s also a sustainable resource and won’t harm the environment when harvested.
Cost
When it comes to the best pillow for stomach sleepers, the cost is going to vary based on the model, brand, fill, etc. You could pay as little as $10 to as much as $100 (if not more).
Warranty
Some pillow manufacturers use a 30-day or more money-back guarantee to ease their customers’ minds. If a pillow manufacturer offers too narrow of a warranty, it may generate the idea that the manufacturer doesn’t trust the product they are peddling. With a 30-day guarantee, you can use it for a time and get your money back if you’re unhappy with it.
Can A Pillow Really Help Alleviate Back, Neck and Shoulder Pain?
You may be thinking that a pillow isn’t the cause of your pain, but keep in mind that using the wrong pillow can lead to pain in your neck, back and shoulders. Some pillow manufacturers have designed pillows to target these problem areas. If you have neck pain, feather pillows may be best. If you have back or shoulder pain, you want to use a memory foam pillow.
- Neck Pain In Stomach Sleepers – If you sleep on your stomach, invest in a pillow that uses feathers or memory foam, as this will fit the shape of your neck and giving it the support it needs. Do not use stiff or high-loft pillows, as this will cause the neck to extend upwards. You want a neutral position for your neck.
- Back Pain In Stomach Sleepers – Stomach sleepers commonly wake up with back pain, but putting a pillow under your hip can alleviate this pain. It ensures the spine stays aligned and no pressure is placed on the back muscles. Use down-alternative pillows since they will flatten in the middle and have volume on either side. These pillows keep the pelvis in place when you’re sleeping.
- Shoulder Pain In Stomach Sleepers – With the right stomach sleeper pillow, you won’t wake up to pins and needles in your arm from a dead arm. Memory foam is ideal in dealing with shoulder pain. If you get a supportive memory foam pillow, you won’t compress the nerves that can lead to that tingly sensation. Make sure to choose one with an orthopedic design, as this will help decrease the kinks in the muscles and allow you to move your shoulder freely.
How To Properly Use A Pillow If You Sleep On Your Stomach
There has been some discussion that stomach sleepers may or may not really need a pillow because of the back and neck strain; it can cause them if they have a pillow with too high of a loft. However, if you can’t sleep without a pillow, you want a pillow that’s designed especially for stomach sleepers.
Still, the best way to sleep using a stomach sleeper pillow is to keep your forehead on the pillow. This gives you room to breathe and won’t be undue stress on your neck. According to experts, you should also have a pillow under your pelvis to produce the curve it needs.
8 Frequently Asked Questions People Have About Stomach Sleepers
What’s The Best Stomach Sleeper Pillow?
You want a pillow that is a firm low-loft pillow or medium firm. This provides you with ample support and alignment. If you want a softer pillow, consider a feather or down pillow.
Can You Use A Memory Foam Pillow If You Sleep On Your Stomach?
You can, but be sure you purchase a low loft pillow, so the head isn’t pushed too far up high.
Is The Stomach Sleeping Position A Really Bad Position To Sleep In?
The best sleeping position you can be in is the back position, as this will even out the weight and won’t place undue pressure on your back and neck. The next best position is side sleeping, and stomach sleeping is considered last. Some individuals find sleeping on their stomachs is most comfortable, and so long as they don’t feel tired or are not in pain, the position is fine.
Bear in mind that going to sleep in one position doesn’t mean you’ll stay in that position all night. In fact, the majority of people tend to move in their sleep – to find a naturally comfortable position for their body (most unknowingly do it).
The key to knowing if your sleeping position is wrong for you is to see how you wake up. Do you wake up with headaches? How about back pain or sore muscles? These are tale-tell signs that you need to change how you sleep. Try a different position or purchase a pillow that’s right for you. If you sleep on your stomach, you want to find a stomach sleeper pillow.
Should You Use A Soft or Firm Pillow?
This really boils down to personal preference. However, the bigger you are, the firmer your pillow should be because of the excess weight placed on it. The smaller a person, the softer the pillow can be. Stomach sleepers need support, and the trend is to use softer pillows instead of firm ones.
If you purchase a pillow that offers a money-back guarantee, you can find out just how firm or soft it is. You can determine if the pillow alleviates your neck and back pain (or doesn’t). If you’re still waking up sore, then you need to try another pillow.
Why Are Stomach Sleeper Pillows So Thin?
The neck needs a copious amount of support, and sleeping on your stomach means the neck is gets stuck into an unnatural position. This can lead to headaches, pain and aches. You want a thin pillow, so your neck isn’t craned upwards. A thick pillow can cause the head to bend or go to the side, which puts pressure on the spine. Too thin of a pillow, however, provides you with no support.
The pillows listed above are designed for stomach sleepers.
Can You Use A Pregnancy Pillow For Stomach Sleeping?
A pregnancy pillow is made to help pregnant mothers, not for sleeping on your stomach. It’s got more thickness to it to support the growing belly, and this thickness can be detrimental to your health, leading to more aches and pains than they solve.
Where Does A Pillow Go When You’re Stomach Sleeping?
When you sleep on your stomach, you need the thin pillow to be under your face to ensure your abdomen and pelvis are aligned with your spine while you sleep. This will help in alleviating the negative aspects of stomach sleeping.
Is The Pillow Or Mattress More Important For Stomach Sleepers?
While the kind of mattress you have is essential, the pillow is most important. You want a stomach sleeper pillow, as a pillow with too high of a loft will cause the neck to stay in an unnatural position. Most stomach sleepers will sleep with their heads craned to one side. And, this can lead to neck pain, back pain, etc. Purchase a thin stomach sleeper pillow. Or, if you want a thicker one, you want a pillow that will compress when weight is pushed down on it.
What You Need To Keep In Mind
Stomach sleeping may not be the healthiest sleeping position, but it can be difficult to get comfortable in a position that’s not natural to your body. If this is the position you find yourself going to sleep in, you need a stomach sleeping pillow that makes waking up in the morning pain-free – that ensures your neck and spine stay in alignment while you sleep.
The primary aspect you need to look for in a pillow is the thickness, then consider the firmness (based on your own preference). With the above stomach sleeping pillows above, you are sure to find one that suits you best and will help you get the sleep you long for and thought was never possible.