That said, your body type factors in here. Those over 230 pounds need a firmer mattress while those under 130 pounds can get away with a softer one, according to Anna Di, DC, at Unity Chiropractic Wellness in New York City. Ultimately, you want to make sure the mattress is supportive enough to keep your hips lifted so your spine stays aligned.
Pros of Stomach Sleeping
Stomach sleeping doesn’t have a ton of benefits, but there are some pros.
- It may reduce snoring and mild sleep apnea
- It’s comfortable for those who like this position
Cons of Stomach Sleeping
While there are a couple of benefits, the cons of stomach sleeping outweigh them. According to our experts, here are the most common:
What Stomach Sleepers Should Look for in a Mattress
Stomach sleepers need to be especially diligent about choosing the right mattress, since this position puts extra stress on the spine. When shopping for a mattress, firmness, support, and mattress type should be top of mind. You’ll also want to think about your own comfort preferences and the mattress brand’s customer policies.
Firmness
In general, stomach sleepers should look for a medium-firm to firm mattress, but individual body type is important. A medium-firm mattress can offer enough firmness and support to maintain spinal alignment for those weighing up to 230 pounds. Those who weigh more might need a firm mattress, while lightweight sleepers can go for medium-soft, according to Dr. Di. The goal is to keep your spine aligned, so your mattress should be firm enough so that your hips and back don’t sink into it.
Mattress Support
Firmness plays a role in how supportive a mattress is, but you also want to think about the overall construction. The mattress should have ample structural support in the form of coil layers, dense foams, or reinforced edges. Even better if it combines all of these features. This helps keep your body aligned, and gives you an on-top-of-the-mattress feeling so your hips don’t dip too low.
Mattress Type
Hybrid mattresses tend to be the most supportive for stomach sleepers. Dr. Di recommends choosing one with a layer of springs and a firm top foam layer that also has some cushioning to relieve compression on pressure points. However, foam mattresses will work as long as you choose one that’s on the firmer side. Foam mattresses, like memory foam and latex, also have the benefit of contouring to the body, which can help alleviate pressure, according to Dr. Wright. Just make sure you’re avoiding soft foams that don’t offer enough support.
Other Comfort Preferences
You also want to think about your individual comfort preferences. Are you a hot sleeper? If so, look for gel-infused foams, a hybrid construction, and a breathable cover. If you sleep with someone else or near the edge of the bed, you might want to look for reinforced edges, like high-density foam around the perimeter of the mattress or a stronger coil system. This helps improve edge support. If you’re prone to pain, look for latex layers or microcoils to help maximize pressure relief.
Price, Trial Period, and Warranty
Price and customer policies are top considerations too. Price is a personal decision—before shopping, decide on a budget and shop within it.
