When you nod off to sleep, your body naturally gravitates toward the most comfortable position, whether it’s on your side, your back, or your stomach. Although snoozing on your stomach may help stop snoring, this sleep position places extra strain on your midsection, disturbing the neutral alignment of your spine. If you sleep on your stomach, mattress support should be your number one concern. This is because your torso carries the majority of your weight. If you choose a bed that is too soft or sags in the center, this build-up of pressure can lead to chronic back pain and restless sleep. At Wildcat Mattress, our Sleep Specialists are well-versed in some of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers, and can outline the various brands and models that may work for you. Our inventory features the latest collection of gel memory foam, hybrid, latex and innerspring beds from industry leaders like Aireloom, Restonic and Simmons. There are some sleep positions that medical experts consider healthier than others.
If you prefer to snooze on your belly, there’s some good news and bad news. Sleeping on your stomach puts additional strain on your spine and back, cautions the Mayo Clinic, making this sleep position one of the least recommended. Stomach sleepers tend to report increased tossing and turning and frequent sleep disruptions compared to side and back sleepers. And since belly sleepers have their heads turned awkwardly to one side, they frequently complain of neck pain. Moreover, this pose puts added pressure on muscles and joints which can trigger nerve irritation, numbness and tingling. Now the good news: using a super thin pillow can help alleviate cervical pain, as the head and neck maintain a more neutral alignment. Stomach sleepers may also find relief by putting a small pillow beneath their pelvis to relieve pressure from the mid-section and lower back. Whereas side sleepers fare well on a wide range of medium-firm mattresses, belly sleepers may find quality sleep a tad more elusive.
Choosing the right mattress for stomach sleepers entails a Goldilocks approach – trying out several models until you find that ideal blend of support and comfort. Some sleep experts endorse firmer mattresses for belly sleepers, as a harder surface prevents the mid-section from sinking down and taking the spine out of alignment. Ideally, the mattress should be firm enough to lift the hips gently, while maintaining the natural curvature of the lumbar spine. The best mattress for a stomach sleeper will have firm support yet still conform to the body’s curves. Some belly sleepers may find that today’s newer generation of memory foam mattresses fit the bill. Visco-elastic memory foam is temperature sensitive and immediately compresses with heat and pressure, providing elastic support that is much easier on the joints compared to innerspring mattresses. Another material that comes highly rated for stomach sleepers is natural latex. Talalay latex has a plush, pillowy feel that is wonderful for side sleepers, but not so great for the belly sleeper.
However, Dunlop latex has a slightly firmer configuration, keeping stomach snoozers from sinking too far into the mattress. Stomach sleepers who are in the market for a new bed are encouraged to begin their search with models that are rated medium-firm to firm, regardless of the material or brand. From there, it’s really about test-driving as many beds as possible and then narrowing down your options based on support overall feel and price point. Stomach sleepers who are struggling to find the right mattress can count on the experienced and knowledgeable team at Wildcat Mattress. When you shop locally here in Kentucky, you are guaranteed the best service, the lowest prices in town, and individualized attention without gimmicks or hard sales. We understand that mattress shopping is confusing; our Sleep Specialists take the mystery out of buying a new bed and are committed to helping customers get the restful sleep they deserve. We invite all stomach sleepers to visit our modern showroom for the best mattress deals in Lexington!
The ratings don't lie — we know people take their sleeping seriously, which is why we combed the reviews for the top pillow picks to suit each degree of firmness. Here are the best pillows for overall comfort, as well as for those specific kinds of sleepers. The Best Mattress Protectors to Safeguard Your Bedding Investment 6 Butcher Block Kitchen Islands for All of Your Food Prep Needs The Best Mattresses to Ensure More Satisfying Shut-Eye 10 Lap Desks That Create An Impromptu Workspace Anywhere 11 Sublimely Soft Bath Towels That Are Crafted To Last Our 30 Favorite Home Decor Destinations to Shop Online The Link Between Sleep Position and Sleep QualityHow you sleep may hold clues to how well you sleep. Stacey Sanner, 51, a PR consultant in Seattle and avid runner, is partial to sleeping on her right side. In her 20s, following a knee injury, she switched her primary sleep position from her stomach to her side and added a pillow between her legs.
"I have never been able to sleep on my back," she says. "When I started having lower back trouble, my doctor told me, ''One of the best things to do is sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees.'" Can sleep posture affect the quality of your sleep and health? Absolutely, says Steven Park, MD, author of Sleep, Interrupted and clinical assistant professor of otolaryngology at New York Medical College in Valhalla, N.Y. Fatigue, sleep apnea, headaches, heartburn, and back pain are some of the complaints that can be aggravated by improper sleep posture and a bad night's sleep, Park says. Finding the Right Sleep Position Is side, stomach, or back best? And can you switch to another position if the one you favor may not be best for your health? "You're naturally going to gravitate toward a position that you feel best sleeping in," Park says. You'll also tend to choose one based on how well you're able to breathe. "The smaller the airway in your throat becomes at night, the more likely it is you're going to sleep on your stomach," he says.