The 4 Best Pillows for Stomach Sleepers
Medium-firm may be standard for a mattress, but when it comes to the best pillows for stomach sleepers, the softer, the better. We put more than a dozen to the test to find four we recommend.
- We recommend the Luxome LAYR as the best pillow for stomach sleepers because you can adjust the height and firmness to a low profile that won’t raise the neck too much.
- The pillows on this list range from $65–$172 for a queen size.
- A good pillow for stomach sleepers should be low loft, soft, and compress easily.
- Adjustable pillows may be helpful for stomach sleepers because they let you customize height and firmness for better spinal alignment.
NCOA supports everyone’s right to age well. So we take the time to research, test, and recommend products that can help you live a healthier life. We’ve spent more than 2,500 hours researching and testing pillows to give you the most accurate product reviews. To find the best pillows, we:
- Consulted with sleep specialists like doctors, occupational therapists, and physical therapists for guidance on choosing the best pillow
- Put more than 130 models through a series of 19 different tests at our in-house lab
- Mystery-shopped more than 40 brands
- Surveyed more than 2,000 older adults on their sleep quality
- Interviewed experts on the importance of good sleep for older adults
- Worked with older adult testers to evaluate pillows and get their opinion
- Read thousands of verified customer reviews
We’re constantly testing new pillows and sleep products to give you the most accurate and up-to-date recommendations. Read more about our sleep accessories review methodology.
You may have read about the best mattress for stomach sleepers, but the pillow you use matters just as much for this sleeping position. “Sleeping on your stomach is generally considered the least favorable sleeping position with regards to spinal health,” said Casey Slattery, MD, an orthopedic spine surgeon with Hoag Orthopedic Institute in Southern California. “It often leads to misalignment and increased strain on the spine, particularly in the cervical and lumbar regions.” Sleeping on your stomach has been shown to raise the risk of low back pain, among other issues.2
Because of this, experts sometimes recommend not using a pillow at all. If you don’t feel comfortable going without one entirely, the best pillows for stomach sleepers tend to compress easily, keeping the head supported without raising it off the mattress too much.
A pillow that’s too high or fluffy can lead to neck extension and rotation, said Dr. Slattery. The best pillow for a stomach sleeper is one that is low loft (3 inches or less), and compresses easily. To find the best pillows for stomach sleepers, we tested many options and asked our older adult testers which ones felt the most supportive and comfortable for stomach sleeping. Here are the results.
- Lots of ways to adjust to your preferences
- Great for stomach sleepers who sometimes flip to other positions
- High-quality materials and construction
- Fancy, hotel-quality feel and materials
- Flattens to about 3 inches—great for stomach sleepers
- Adjusts quickly to head movements through the night
- Made with a natural latex fill
- Breathable mesh cover helps keep you cool
- Can be adjusted to two different heights
Best Pillows for Stomach Sleepers in 2026
- Luxome LAYR: Best Overall Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
- Saatva Latex: Best Luxury Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
- Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex: Best Hypoallergenic Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
- Brooklinen Marlow: Best Memory Foam Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
Best Pillows for Stomach Sleepers
| Comparison Features | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Score (out of 10) | 9.3 |
8.7 |
8.1 |
9.4 |
| Best for | Overall |
Luxury |
Hypoallergenic |
Memory foam |
| Fill material | Down alternative and memory foam |
Shredded latex |
Latex |
Memory foam and polyester fiber |
| Adjustability and loft height (inches) | Adjustable; 9.5 |
Not adjustable; standard (4–5) or high loft (6–7) |
Not adjustable; low (4) or high loft (5) |
Adjustable zippers, 5 |
| Trial period (nights) | 30 |
45 |
30 |
365 |
*Ratings reflect a brand's overall offering; the best overall pick doesn't necessarily have the highest score
Understanding accessibility and pain relief scores
Based on our testing, surveys, and focus groups with older adults, we created these two scores:
- Accessibility score: The higher the score, the easier it is to get in and out of the bed and change positions.
- Pain relief score: The higher the score, the more likely it can help relieve pain.
Top features of the best pillows for stomach sleepers
We looked for the following features when choosing the best pillows for stomach sleepers
Luxome LAYR: Best Pillow for Stomach Sleepers Overall
We chose the Luxome LAYR as the Best Pillow Overall for stomach sleepers because it is one of the most customizable pillows we tested. The LAYR comes with different inserts made of ultra-soft down alternative, gel-infused shredded memory foam, and solid memory foam. Stomach sleepers can easily adjust the loft and material for a lower profile that offers neck support without overextending their spine.
- Three removable inserts let you adjust the pillow’s height and firmness
- Designed to work for stomach, back, and side sleepers
- High-quality materials (rated 5 out of 5 by our testers)
- Fill material: Down alternative and memory foam
- Adjustability and loft: Adjustable, 9.5”
- Firmness level: Adjustable
- Cooling: Heat-regulating bamboo viscose cover
- Shape: Traditional rectangle
Pros
- Very customizable with three different layers
- Works well for many sleep positions
- High-quality materials
Cons
- Can take time to find the right layer setup
- People who want a simple pillow may not prefer adjustability
- Traps heat (worst cooling score of any pillow we tested)
Why our testers chose the Luxome LAYR as the Best Pillow for Stomach Sleepers Overall
We chose the Luxome LAYR as the Best Pillow for Stomach Sleepers Overall because it can be customized to the height and softness that works best for maintaining the spine’s natural curve, even when lying face down. The LAYR pillow has three removable inserts. Each one is made from a different material: down alternative, gel-infused foam, and firm memory foam. These options let you lower the pillow’s height and change the feel until it supports your neck without pushing your head too high in your preferred sleeping position.
Our testers also liked how straightforward it was to change the layers. “This is the easiest and most customizable pillow I have tested,” said one of our older adult testers. “I liked taking out the larger memory foam piece to lower the loft of the pillow for my neck and shoulders.” With fewer layers, the pillow felt flatter and softer, which is what stomach sleepers need. One tester mentioned that when she removed all memory foam inserts, the LAYR pillow felt comfortable for stomach sleeping, even though that position is not normally her favorite.
27% of older adults who responded to our 2025 Sleep Accessories survey purchased a Down or Down alternative pillow.1
Our testers also commented on the high-quality materials used to make the LAYR pillow. “This is a pretty high-tech pillow!” said one. “It has a super comfortable outer layer, to the point where I could sleep on this without a pillowcase. The middle has some nice stretch to it, so if you were to add more into this pillow, the case would conform. There is a plush filling, a regular piece of cooling memory foam, and then one more filling with shredded memory foam.”
One area where the LAYR pillow did not perform as well as expected was in our temperature tests. It held onto heat more than most other pillows we tested, with a 17-degree rise in temperature after use. We conducted our heat tests with all the inserts in place, so results may vary, but if you prefer a super cool pillow, you may want to consider other options.
“If you don't switch positions a lot in the night, this is probably a great choice with the way you can adjust the pillow for being on your back, stomach or side,” said one tester. “I've never seen a combination of material choices inside the case to provide the support it does. I thought this pillow was super neat and a comfortable choice for people who may not know what they like in a pillow.”
The Luxome customer experience
- Trial period: 30 nights
- Shipping: Free standard
- Warranty: Limited
- Financing: Yes
Customer service
You can contact Luxome customer service by:
- Email: support@luxome.com
Payment options
Luxome accepts all major credit cards as well as Shop Pay, Amazon Pay, PayPal, and Google Pay. It offers financing through Affirm.
Saatva Latex: Best Luxury Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
We chose the Saatva Latex Pillow as the Best Luxury Pillow for Stomach Sleepers because it is soft, responsive, and sinks down to a low height that helps keep the neck and spine in a natural line. Its shredded latex core gently molds to your head and moves with you during the night. Testers also loved the high-end materials and said the pillow feels like something you would find in a luxury hotel.
- Soft shredded latex that responds quickly to your head and movement
- Low loft (compresses to about 3 inches) to help prevent neck strain
- Premium, high-quality materials and layered construction
- Fill material: Cotton and shredded latex
- Adjustability and loft: Not adjustable; standard (4–5'') or high loft (6–7'')
- Cooling: Breathable latex
- Shape: Traditional rectangle
Pros
- Luxe, hotel-pillow feel
- Soft latex core adapts to your head and neck
- Compresses to a low height that works well for stomach sleepers
Cons
- Most expensive pillow we tested
- Average cooling performance
- Not adjustable
Why our testers chose the Saatva Latex as the Best Luxury Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
We chose the Saatva Latex pillow as the Best Luxury Pillow for Stomach Sleepers because it offers the right kind of support for stomach sleepers and is made with high-end materials from a brand known for quality.
Our older adult testers appreciated this pillow’s luxury feel and high-quality construction, which helped it earn a 4.5 out of 5 for materials in our testing. As we noted in our Saatva brand review, the company is known for using premium materials, and the pillow reflects that focus on quality.
“This pillow is made with very nice materials,” said one tester. “It feels soft and I would consider this feeling like a luxury pillow. When I unzipped the first cover, there was a second cover before reaching the latex filling of the pillow. This shows how there are three layers of protection before reaching the core of the pillow.”
Another tester shared, “This was overall a really nice pillow! The layers inside the pillow are made with high-quality materials, and felt like a luxe product.”
In our tests, we found that the Saatva Latex pillow sinks down to about 3 inches, creating a lower profile that helps keep the spine in a more natural position. This is especially useful for stomach sleepers, who usually need a thin, soft pillow so their neck does not bend too far upward. “It has a medium loft, which will keep your head and neck flat with your spine, but has enough responsiveness that switching positions is still comfortable,” said one tester.
The shredded latex fill adjusts to support you as you turn your head from side to side, providing gentle pressure relief while maintaining neck support. “I think that this pillow has a decent amount of pressure relief for being a soft, latex pillow,” said one tester. “The second layer is very plush, which gives support and comfort around my neck. It feels like the right amount of sinkage to be comfortable.” Because it sinks easily but still springs back into shape, the Saatva Latex Pillow can help stomach sleepers stay comfortable without pushing their neck into an awkward angle.
There are a few trade-offs. The pillow warmed up by 14.4 degrees during our five-minute cooling test, which was warmer than many other pillows we tried. It is also one of the most expensive pillows on this list. Still, if you want a soft pillow made with premium materials that compresses low enough for stomach sleeping, the Saatva Latex Pillow is a comfortable and high-quality option.
To learn more about the brand’s customer experience, read our Saatva review.
Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex: Best Hypoallergenic Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
We chose the Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex pillow as the Best Hypoallergenic Pillow for Stomach Sleepers because it uses natural materials and has a responsive feel that helps keep the neck comfortable and supported. It comes in a low-loft option designed to stay thin and supportive, which helps prevent the neck from bending too far back. The breathable cover and springy latex also make it comfortable for people who want a fresh, lightweight pillow.
- Talalay latex fill made from natural materials with responsive support
- Soft, breathable cover designed to help with airflow
- Available in two loft options—the lower one is better suited for stomach sleepers
- Fill material: Latex
- Adjustability and loft: Not adjustable; low (4'') or high loft (5'')
- Firmness level: Medium
- Cooling: Breathable latex core and cotton cover
- Shape: Traditional rectangle
Pros
- Made with durable, high-quality materials
- Responsive latex makes it easy to move without losing support
- Naturally hypoallergenic and breathable
Cons
- Cooling performance is only average
- High loft option may feel too thick for stomach sleepers
- One of the more expensive pillows on this list
Why our testers chose the Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex as the Best Hypoallergenic Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
We chose the Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex pillow as the Best Hypoallergenic Pillow for Stomach Sleepers because it combines natural materials with a responsive, supportive feel. Talalay latex is known for being breathable and resistant to common allergens, which makes it a good choice for sleepers who want a cleaner sleep surface. The pillow earned a score of 4.5 out of 5 for materials for its high-quality latex fill and soft lyocell cover. As we noted in our Brooklyn Bedding brand review, the company is known for using durable materials that are designed to last.
Loft is also important for stomach sleepers. A pillow that is too high can push the neck upward and cause strain. This pillow comes in both low and high loft options, and we suggest the low loft version for stomach sleepers because it keeps the head closer to the mattress. During our testing, the pillow compressed down to about 2 inches with a medicine ball and returned to full shape in 2.18 seconds, showing strong responsiveness. That quick bounce helps the pillow adapt as you shift positions during the night.
Testers also liked the pillow’s soft cover and springy feel. “The cover feels soft and durable, with a little bit of stretch to it. I feel the latex in the filling pushing my head back up in a soft supportive way,” said one tester. Another tester noticed how easily the pillow adjusted during movement: “The latex is responsive enough that switching positions is very easy with this pillow.” This responsiveness helps stomach sleepers avoid sinking too deeply and keeps the neck and spine better aligned throughout the night.
To learn more about the brand’s customer experience, read our Brooklyn Bedding review.
Brooklinen Marlow: Best Memory Foam Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
We chose the Brooklinen Marlow as the Best Memory Foam Pillow for Stomach Sleepers because it has a soft, almost down-like feel and its loft can be adjusted for a lower profile that won’t bend your neck at an unnatural angle. It is also one of the lowest-priced pillows we tested and comes from a brand known for strong customer service.
- Adjustable design with two zippers that change firmness and loft
- Soft blend of memory foam and fiber for gentle support
- Breathable materials with mesh panels to help airflow
- Fill material: Memory foam and polyester fiber
- Adjustability and loft: Adjustable zippers, 5”
- Firmness level: Adjustable
- Cooling: Cooling memory foam
- Shape: Traditional rectangle
Pros
- Can be adjusted without removing fill
- Soft, plush feel that still offers support
- Lower price compared with many other pillows
Cons
- Full loft is higher than some stomach sleepers prefer
- Spot-clean only
- Shorter warranty than some competitors
Why our testers chose the Brooklinen Marlow as the Best Memory Foam Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
We chose the Brooklinen Marlow as the Best Memory Foam Pillow for Stomach Sleepers because it can easily flatten to create the lower loft stomach sleepers need. The pillow measures about 5 inches high, but the two-zipper design lets you open both sides so it becomes softer and flatter. This helps the pillow sink down and prevents the neck from craning upward.
Testers liked how simple it was to adjust the pillow. Instead of removing the filling, you just unzip the sides to change the feel. “I’d recommend opening both zippers to let the pillow compress as much as possible,” said one of our testers. “This prevents the neck from craning upward, which could lead to pain over time.”
The Marlow uses an 80/20 blend of memory foam and polyester fiber, which gives it a softer feel than most memory foam pillows. In our testing, it earned a 4 out of 5 for materials. “While it’s not actually down, the Marlow pillow feels extremely similar to down,” said one tester. “I had to double-check the materials to make sure it didn’t have actual down feathers.” The soft fill helps the pillow compress more when lying on it, which helps keep your neck in alignment when you sleep on your stomach.
We were also impressed with how cool this pillow stayed in our tests. It had less than a 9-degree temperature increase, making it one of our top-scoring pillows for preventing heat buildup, with a perfect 5 out of 5 score. Our testers rated this pillow a 4.5 out of 5 overall, noting that it worked well in many sleeping positions once the loft was adjusted.
At $65, the Marlow costs less than half as much as the other pillows in this roundup. Orders under $100 do not qualify for free shipping. But the Marlow also has one of the longest trial periods (365 nights), which makes it a strong value.
A good trial period for a pillow was important to almost a fifth of our survey respondents. 1
The Brooklinen customer experience
- Trial period: 365-day return policy
- Shipping: Free over $100
- Warranty: 365-day warranty
- Financing: Yes
Customer service
You can contact Brooklinen customer service by:
- Phone: 646-798-7447
- Email: hello@brooklinen.com
- Live chat: Available on the website
Payment options
Brooklinen accepts all major credit cards, PayPal, ShopPay, and Venmo. They offer financing through Afterpay.
Our process testing the best pillows for stomach sleepers
Our team has spent thousands of hours reviewing mattresses, pillows, and other sleep products so readers can trust our advice. We also work with experts in sleep, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Their guidance helps us understand what matters most when choosing pillows for stomach sleepers.
For this guide, we tested 15 pillows we found through research and expert input. Our older adult testers tried each one while sleeping on their stomachs. This helped us see which pillows for stomach sleepers felt the most supportive and comfortable.
When testing the best pillows for stomach sleepers, we focused on a few key factors:
- Spinal alignment support: Our testers lay on their stomachs to use each pillow and checked how well it kept their neck and spine aligned. We noted if the pillow pushed the head too high or caused strain.
- Pressure relief: We tested how well each stomach sleeper pillow reduced pressure on the head, neck, and shoulders. We looked for pillows that felt soft and gentle without causing discomfort.
- Loft retention and height adjustments: We measured how well each pillow held its shape and how far it compressed using a weight to mimic a person’s head. A pillow that compresses more easily is best for stomach sleepers.
- Firmness and responsiveness: We also checked how each pillow reacted when a sleeper moved during the night. The best pillows for stomach sleepers should be soft and flexible, so they move with your head and neck.
What to look for when choosing a pillow for stomach sleepers
Choosing the right pillow is especially important if you sleep on your stomach. This sleep position can put extra strain on your neck and back, potentially leading to other issues. “For example, to breathe comfortably, you must turn your head sharply, resulting in hyperextension, compressed facet joints, strained muscles, ligaments, discs, and often nerves, resulting in stiffness, pain, headaches, and arm symptoms,” said Dr. Slattery, the orthopedic surgeon.
To help prevent these complications, stomach sleepers should choose a pillow that keeps their head low and spine as straight as possible. The best pillows for stomach sleepers are usually soft, thin, and easy to compress. Some other factors to consider include:
Proper spinal and neck alignment
Good alignment is the most important factor when choosing pillows for stomach sleepers. Your pillow should keep your head close to the mattress so your neck does not bend too far back. “This is the most important aspect of pillows for stomach sleepers—spinal malalignment, which is common in stomach sleepers," said Dr. Slattery.
The right loft
Loft means the height of the pillow. For stomach sleepers, a thin pillow is usually best. “A pillow under the head often worsens symptoms in the neck due to excessive extension and rotation,” said Dr. Slattery. “A thin pillow or no pillow at all allows for more of a neutral position, reducing unnecessary strain.”
Durability and care
All pillows eventually wear out, but a quality pillow should hold its shape and stay comfortable until it needs replacing. That’s typically one to two years, said Dr. Slattery. Caring for your pillow can help extend its lifespan. That means washing the cover regularly and following any other care instructions.
Soft, compressible materials
Soft materials tend to work best for stomach sleepers because they flatten under your head and stay low. This helps reduce pressure on the neck. See below for more details on specific materials.
The best pillow materials for stomach sleepers
While medium-firm is generally recommended for mattresses, pillows are a different story, especially for stomach sleepers.3 “Softer is better for stomach sleepers,” said Dr. Slattery. “Soft allows sinking and compression for minimal elevation, reducing strain on the neck and spine.” You can find soft pillows made of many different materials.
Down or down alternative
Down and down alternative fills are some of the most common pillows for stomach sleepers because they are soft and compress easily. “You typically want to aim for soft, compressible, and low loft,” said Dr. Slattery. “Down feather or similar material is ideal. These are very soft, compressible, and breathable.”
Memory foam
Memory foam can work as a stomach sleeper pillow if it is thin and soft. Some memory foam pillows are too firm or high, which can lift the head too much for stomach sleepers. Shredded memory foam is often a better option than solid foam because it feels softer and can be adjusted. Many of the best pillows for stomach sleepers use shredded foam, so you can remove fill and create a lower loft that won’t raise the neck as much.
Latex
Latex pillows are known for responsive support, but they are often thicker and firmer than other materials. Shredded latex pillows with a low profile work best for stomach sleepers. Latex is a natural material that tends to be durable and breathable.
Soft fiberfill
Fiberfill pillows are light, soft, and usually among the less expensive options. They can work well as pillows for stomach sleepers because they compress easily, though they may flatten faster than other materials.
How much do the best pillows for stomach sleepers cost?
The pillows in this article range from $65–$172 for a queen size. Most brands offer free shipping, but some have a minimum spend for that perk.
| Comparison Features | Luxome LAYR |
Saatva Latex |
Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex |
Brooklinen Marlow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $150 |
$165 |
$172 |
$65 |
| Shipping costs | Free |
Free |
Free |
Free on orders $100 or more |
| Warranty length | Limited |
Limited |
3 years |
5 years |
| Return fees | Decided at return |
None |
None |
None |
*Most sleep brands run frequent or ongoing promotions. Sale prices are typically lower and may change often.
Discover more of the best pillows in our reviews:
- The Best Pillow for Neck Pain
- The Best Pillow for Back Pain
- The Best Pillow for Sleep Apnea
- The Best Memory Foam Pillow
Frequently asked questions
Is a soft or firm pillow better for stomach sleepers?
A soft, low-loft pillow is usually best for stomach sleepers. Many of the best pillows for stomach sleepers are soft, so your head can sink in without pushing your neck too far up.
Are memory foam pillows good for stomach sleepers?
Memory foam can work well as a pillow for stomach sleepers if it is thin and compresses without too much resistance. Memory foam can contour to support your head and neck while still staying low.
How often should you replace your pillows?
Most pillows should be replaced every one to two years. Over time, even the best pillows for stomach sleepers lose their shape and stop giving your neck the support it needs.
What is the best size pillow for stomach sleepers?
The best pillow size for stomach sleepers is one with a low profile or one that can be adjusted to a loft of 3 inches or less. This helps keep the neck in a straight line when lying on your stomach.
Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.