Home / Stomach Sleeper Pillows

Best Pillows for Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleeping presents unique challenges for spinal alignment. You need a very thin, soft pillow - or even no pillow at all - to prevent your neck from being forced into an unnatural angle.

What Stomach Sleepers Need in a Pillow

When you sleep on your stomach, your head is turned to one side. A high or firm pillow forces your neck into extreme rotation and hyperextension, leading to neck pain, stiffness, and potential long-term issues.

Key Features for Stomach Sleeper Pillows

  • Low Loft (2-3 inches max): Keeps your head close to the mattress level
  • Soft to Medium-Soft: Compresses easily to minimize neck angle
  • Compressible Fill: Down, down alternative, or soft foam
  • Thin Profile: Some stomach sleepers prefer ultra-thin or no pillow

Signs Your Current Pillow Is Too High

  • Waking with neck pain or stiffness
  • Lower back pain from hyperextension
  • Numbness or tingling in arms or hands
  • Difficulty getting comfortable
  • Frequently sleeping with arm under pillow

Top Pillows for Stomach Sleepers

Compared by loft, firmness, and fill type

Pillow Fill Type Loft Firmness Rating Price
Brooklinen Down Pillow
Brooklinen Down Pillow (Soft)
Responsibly-sourced down
 Down Low (2.5") Soft
★★★★☆ 4.4
$99 View on Amazon
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud
TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow
Low-profile TEMPUR foam
 Memory Foam Low (3") Soft
★★★★☆ 4.5
$89 View on Amazon
Pancake Pillow Company
Pancake Pillow Company
Stackable layer system
 Down Alt. Ultra-Low (1-6") Soft
★★★★★ 4.6
$109 View on Amazon
Malouf Z Gel Dough
Malouf Z Gel Dough Low Loft
Gel-infused memory foam
 Memory Foam Low (2.5") Soft
★★★★☆ 4.3
$52 View on Amazon
Coop Eden Pillow
Coop Home Goods Eden
Gel-infused, adjustable
 Memory Foam Adjustable Soft
★★★★★ 4.5
$80 View on Amazon
Royal Hotel Goose Down
Royal Hotel Goose Down
Soft support, 500 thread count
 Goose Down Low (2") Soft
★★★★☆ 4.2
$45 View on Amazon

Detailed Reviews

Most Versatile: Pancake Pillow Company

The Pancake Pillow's unique stackable design makes it perfect for stomach sleepers who want precise control over their pillow height. Each "pancake" is about 1 inch thick, allowing you to use just 1-2 layers for ultra-low loft.

Pros

  • Infinitely adjustable with 6 layers
  • Perfect for stomach sleepers (use 1-2 layers)
  • Also works for side/back sleeping (add layers)
  • Machine washable
  • Extra layers for travel

Cons

  • Layers can shift during sleep
  • Higher price than single pillows
  • Takes trial and error to find right height
Fill TypeDown Alternative Microfiber
Layers Included6 individual "pancakes"
DimensionsStandard: 20" x 26", King: 20" x 36"
CareMachine washable layers

Best Down: Brooklinen Down Pillow (Soft)

For those who prefer natural materials, Brooklinen's soft down pillow compresses to almost nothing under your head while providing just enough cushion for comfort. The high-quality down won't create uncomfortable lumps.

Pros

  • Luxuriously soft
  • Compresses nearly flat
  • Natural temperature regulation
  • Long-lasting with proper care
  • Responsibly sourced down

Cons

  • Higher price for down
  • Requires dry cleaning or careful washing
  • Not suitable for down allergies
Fill TypeEuropean white down
Fill Power650
Cover Material400-thread count sateen cotton
Made inUSA

Best Budget: Malouf Z Gel Dough Low Loft

The Malouf Z Low Loft offers memory foam comfort at an accessible price point. The gel infusion helps with temperature regulation, addressing one of the main concerns of stomach sleepers who tend to sleep warmer.

Pros

  • Affordable price
  • Gel keeps it cool
  • Consistent 2.5" loft
  • Good pressure relief

Cons

  • Not adjustable
  • Some initial off-gassing
  • May be too firm for some

Stomach Sleeper Pillow Buying Tips

Consider No Pillow at All

Some sleep experts recommend stomach sleepers try sleeping without a head pillow entirely. Instead, place a thin pillow under your hips/pelvis to reduce lower back strain and maintain better spinal alignment.

The Arm Test

If you frequently find yourself putting your arm under your pillow or folding your pillow, your current pillow is likely too thin or soft. Look for a pillow that stays lofted enough on its own.

Consider Your Face Comfort

Stomach sleepers spend time with their face pressed against the pillow. Consider:

  • Breathable cover materials to prevent overheating
  • Smooth fabrics to reduce facial wrinkles
  • Hypoallergenic materials if you have sensitive skin

Hip Pillow Tip

Place a thin, flat pillow under your pelvis when stomach sleeping. This slight elevation helps:

  • Reduce lower back hyperextension
  • Keep your spine more neutral
  • Decrease strain on your lower back muscles