Best pillow for stomach sleepers with arm under pillow

If you are a stomach sleeper who has been sleeping without a pillow specific to your needs, you may be all too familiar with the strain it can put on your neck, spine, and shoulders every night. Picking the right pillow can make all the difference in your posture, relieve pressure on fragile joints, and give you a blissful night’s sleep that actually leaves you feeling well-rested.

In this guide we are diving into some of our top pillow picks for people who sleep on their stomachs, and taking a closer look at what special considerations need to be made for these sleeper’s pillows.

For more ways that will help you optimize your stomach sleeping, check out our guides on the best mattresses for stomach sleepers, as well as how to properly sleep on your stomach. Additionally, note that with the listed prices, we are excluding any sales or discounts. By clicking the “check price” buttons on our page, you can check out each brand’s current discounts and sales on their products, so that you’re getting these quality products at the best price. 

Disclosure: By clicking on the product links in this article, Mattress Nerd may receive a commission fee at no cost to you, the reader. Read full disclosure statement.

Best Pillows for Stomach Sleepers

• Editor’s Pick – Belly Sleep Gel Infused Memory Foam Pillow
• Best Pillow for Stomach Sleepers with Neck Pain – Elite Rest Ultra Slim Sleeper Pillow
• Best Hypoallergenic Pillow for Stomach Sleepers – Tempur-Cloud Adjustable Pillow
• Best Customizable Pillow for Stomach Sleepers – Nest Easy Breather Natural Latex Pillow
• Best Contoured Pillow for Stomach Sleepers – Polysleep Pillow

Watch Our Review

Belly Sleep Gel Infused Memory Foam

Nothing is worse than waking up with neck pain, except for waking up with neck pain in a puddle of sweat. This gel-infused memory foam pillow aims to never let that happen to you again! With its moisture-wicking design and low loft, it should be excellent for those of us who tend to sleep hot, and primarily on our stomachs. 

Reason to Buy – This pillow gives stomach sleepers the balance they crave with a design focused on all aspects of the sleeper’s comfort. Memory foam can get hot, so they infused it with a cooling gel to ensure you (and your pillow) stay as cool as possible. This pillow is soft enough to be a comfortable place to rest your head but firm enough to keep your neck in a safe, neutral position. The Belly Sleep pillow also comes with a removable cover, making it extremely easy to keep clean.

Price – $79.99

Elite Rest Ultra Slim Sleeper 

The title of this pillow is no joke. When they say ultra-slim it really is just that: ultra-slim! That is what makes this memory foam pillow a stomach sleeper’s dream. The design allows sleepers to stay close to the mattress, keeping the neck and spine alignment in place and minimizing aches and pains. 

Reason to Buy – Measuring at a height of 2.5 inches, you won’t find a memory foam pillow this thin in many instances. Historically, you may have thought the fluffier the pillow the better. However, if you’re a long-time stomach sleeper, you know the thinner the better, and you don’t get much thinner than this! In addition to the comfort it provides to those who snooze on their bellies, this memory foam pillow is hypoallergenic, anti-microbial (it prevents microorganism growth), anti-dust mite, and bed bug resistant.  

Price – $56.99  

Tempur-Cloud Adjustable Pillow

If you tend to have trouble with allergies and are looking for a hypoallergenic pillow, then the Tempur-Cloud Adjustable Pillow may be the perfect choice for you. Not only that, but the Tempur-Cloud should also cater to all three sleeping positions, including stomach sleeping. 

Reason to Buy – Using high-quality memory foam products, this pillow is specifically designed so that your neck, back, and shoulders stay in proper alignment throughout the night. This alignment is paramount for all types of sleepers, and just by removing or adding the memory foam fill, you can find a loft that’s best for you. Additionally, those with allergies can rest easy knowing that the Tempur-Cloud’s 100% polyester cover is not only hypoallergenic, but also machine washer safe. Another added bonus about this pillow is that it sleeps cool, thanks to the shredded interior that provides good airflow.

Price – $69

Nest Easy Breather Natural Latex Pillow

The Nest Easy Breather Natural Latex Pillow takes customizable to a new level, and we think that stomach sleepers will absolutely love it. The pillow, packed with hypoallergenic latex fill, is made to be stuffed (or unstuffed) by the customer, depending on their preferred sleep position and pillow feel. 

Reason to Buy – For a belly sleeper, it is ideal to be as close to the mattress as possible to prevent neck and back pain. The Nest Easy Breather Natural Latex Pillow should be great for stomach sleeping, since all you have to do to get that proper alignment is adjust the pillow’s loft to your needs. One of the other outstanding aspects of this pillow is the quality of materials. Eco-conscious shoppers are likely to fall in love with the 100% organic cotton fabric and certified chemical-free shredded latex foam. On top of that, it’s really easy to wash and dry this pillow, since you can toss in the whole pillow for cleaning!

Price – $99

The Polysleep Pillow

The Polysleep pillow was designed with lovers of memory foam in mind, but its adjustability gives the support you’d expect in a medium-firm pillow. If you like to sleep on your belly with your arms wrapped around a pillow under your head and neck, you may find comfort in this “huggable” design. 

Reason to Buy – With nice foam layers, the Polysleep Pillow should give plenty of softness and contouring. In terms of how to adjust your Polysleep Pillow, we think it’s best for stomach sleepers to utilize the 2″ layer or just the thinner layers together. That way, you can have both the support that assists with proper spinal alignment and the comfort that allows you to sink into the pillow just the right amount. Another great aspect of the Polysleep Pillow is that it’s antimicrobial, which means that it’s built to resist microorganism growth.

Price – $120-145, depending on size

Why Should You Use a Pillow for Stomach Sleepers? 

Stomach sleepers can put their neck, spine, and shoulders in a compromised position very easily. Many people think of pillows as a “one-size-fits-all” product and that is simply not the case. If you want to optimize your comfort level while you sleep, and wake up feeling refreshed without aches and pains, then picking a pillow specific to your needs is crucial! 

Types of Pillows for Stomach Sleepers

Pillows for stomach sleepers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and types. Among the most popular choices are super thin pillows, memory foam pillows, shredded foam pillows, and gel-infused options.

When it comes to staying comfortable, the name of the game is keeping your neck in alignment while you sleep. If you can accomplish that, you will solve a lot of your sleeping issues. You do not want a pillow that is too thin or too thick, so you may have to try a few before you find the perfect one. Also, keep in mind how soft or firm your mattress is because that will dictate how much you sink down and change the alignment of your neck and back as well.

What Makes a Good Pillow for Stomach Sleepers?

Loft

Most pillows for stomach sleepers want your head and neck to be elevated as little as possible while also giving you needed support. The thin nature of many of these pillows should relieve pains, but you’ll want to make sure there is enough pillow there to give your neck the support it needs. 

Material 

Stomach sleeper pillow models come in a variety of materials. Among the most popular are memory foam, shredded foam, cotton and polyester fibers. The type of material that is best for you depends on how you sleep with the pillow. 

Cost 

Most picks in our guide typically cost much less than shown, since websites often add sales and discounts to their products. There are several options on the market that cost more and some that cost less. It is always a good idea to read the customer reviews on both ends of the spectrum to see if a more expensive option is really worth it, or to find out if a cheaper pillow can still provide you with a great night’s sleep. 

Durability 

The National Sleep Foundation recommends switching out your pillows every one to two years, but some will start to wear down quicker than that. Customer reviews and company warranty can be a good indicator of how long you should expect your new pillow to last.  

Conclusion

If you are a stomach sleeper and have never paid close attention to what pillow you use, I hope you have recognized the impact it can make in your sleep moving forward. If you are consistently waking up with aches and pains, investing in a pillow made for your sleeping style may be the perfect place to start.

Related Articles

What type of pillow do I need if I sleep on my stomach?

What type of pillow is best for a front sleeper?

How do I stop sleeping on my stomach?

What is the best pillow for neck and arm pain?