If you're a stomach sleeper, you're probably familiar with the neck and back pain that comes from sleeping with the wrong pillow. Rest assured – a good night's sleep is only a pillow away! In this guide, learn all about the features that define the best pillows for stomach sleepers and the benefits they can have for your sleep.

Benefits of the Best Pillows for Stomach Sleepers

• Alleviates spinal pain in your neck and back.
• Provides good breathability.
• Prevents allergen-related irritation.

Best Pillows for Stomach Sleepers

The three qualities to look for when shopping for a pillow for a stomach sleeper are loft, firmness, and material.

Loft

Loft – the height of the pillow – is perhaps the most important consideration when shopping for pillows for stomach sleepers. The best pillow for a stomach sleeper is a pillow that can keep the neck at a neutral position. Thin pillows that are 3" or thinner are optimal. Pillows that are too thick will elevate your head at an uncomfortable angle, which can lead to considerable spine discomfort. To find out how thick your pillow is, check out the Weights & Dimensions tab on the product page.

Firmness

Similar to a pillow that is too thick, a pillow that is thin but too firm will keep your head at an uncomfortable height during sleep. An ultra-comfortable plush pillow will allow your head to sink to a natural position, alleviating pressure on your neck while you sleep.

Fill Material

Breathability and softness are essential characteristics of the best pillows for stomach sleepers. Because stomach sleepers sleep with their faces pressed against the pillow for most of the night, breathability is one of the most important considerations – a pillow that is too dense can get uncomfortably hot and stifling. Read on for a few of our material suggestions for the best pillows for stomach sleepers.

Down & Feathers: Soft and fluffy pillows filled with goose down are excellent at cushioning your head at a comfortable angle. They aren't too dense, so they provide decent airflow and don't get too hot. One thing to look out for is wear – after a while, down and feather pillows can lose a bit of their fluffiness. Plus after a while, feathers can poke out of the cover, and cause discomfort, especially against your face.

Down Alternative: Down-alternative pillows are designed to act and feel just like real down pillows but without the animal products. They have the same benefits without any feathers poking through. Down-alternative pillows are also a bit more affordable than real down and feathers.

Fiber: A fiber pillow is a specific down alternative that provides the same loft and softness as a down pillow.

Gel Fiber: Gel-filled pillows are a little firmer than pillows without gel, but they have one notable added benefit: cooling effects. Cooling gel pillows don't conduct heat, which can be a game changer for stomach sleepers who get uncomfortably hot during the night. Gel pillows have also been associated with deeper sleep and falling asleep faster.

Shredded Memory Foam: While memory foam can be exceptionally dense and firm, shredded memory foam is much less so. As its name would suggest, a shredded memory foam pillow is filled with shredded memory foam, which is softer and allows much more ventilation than solid memory foam pillows.

Additional Features

Hypoallergenic: If you're an allergy-prone stomach sleeper or if you have super sensitive skin, a hypoallergenic pillow is essential. A hypoallergenic pillow will prevent skin and sinus irritation and help you get a better night's sleep.

Tip!

Are you a side sleeper? Check out our Discover the Best Pillow & Mattress for Side Sleepers guide to learn all about the pillows and mattresses that are best for you.