The Best Pillows for Stomach Sleepers of 2023

Pillows are key to keeping your spine aligned and body comfortable overnight. But we didn’t want to just lump all pillows together—after all, stomach sleepers have different needs in terms of pillow support than side sleepers and back sleepers, so we tested pillows for each position separately.

Stomach sleepers—by most estimates, less than 10% of people—are dealt an interesting hand when it comes to pillows. Some experts say that people who prefer this position can even get by without one at all. But for those who prefer a cradle for their head, choosing the right pillow for stomach sleepers can be a real challenge. I should know: I’m a part-time stomach sleeper myself. After months of rigorously testing pillows (tough job!), the Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow (available at Coop Home Goods) came out on top for stomach sleepers because of its balanced combination of plush comfort and gentle support, and its customizable fill level—plus the whole ensemble is machine-washable.We tested pillows made from a spectrum of materials, and found something for everyone—including the AmazonBasics Down Alternative Pillows in Soft Density (available at Amazon), which are an unbeatable deal for anyone on a budget, or looking for pillows to serve decorative purposes.

How We Tested

The Tester

I’m Lindsey Vickers, the sleep writer here at Reviewed. I cover everything from meditation apps to sleep podcasts and, of course, the basics like mattresses and sheets. I’m a hybrid sleeper and flip between stomach sleeping and side sleeping depending on the day and was excited to catch some ZZZs on pillows made especially for folks who prefer this less common position.

The Tests

For two months I rotated dozens of pillows in and out of my apartment, sleeping on each for at least two nights. During my time with the pillows, I considered fundamental questions, including whether the pillow was comfortable and sufficiently supportive from the moment my head touched down on the fluff until my alarm went off; how customizable it was (and if the process of removing stuffing was easy); if it got hot overnight; how well the pillow’s performance matched company claims; the usefulness of any special features; whether it was lumpy and if the lumps could be smoothed away; and so on.

Afterward, I lugged the pillows to our lab in Cambridge, Massachusetts where senior scientist Julia MacDougall gave them her standardized testing treatment. She checked them for heat retention with temperature sensors and a heated blanket; weighted them down overnight to assess how well the material responded and sprung back the next day; and washed them, per label instructions, to make sure the pillows didn’t lose shape or loft, shrink, or clump up.

What to Know About Choosing Pillows for Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleepers, who may only account for less than 10% of people, might not want or need a pillow at all: The purpose of pillows is to serve as a prop for aligning the spine during sleep, which could be supported just fine by the mattress alone when sleeping in this position. But for those who do, there are a surprising number of considerations. For one, pillows should be replaced every one to two years, says John McKeon, CEO of Allergy Standards Limited speaking for The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)—more frequently than most people do it.

Not to rain on your parade, my fellow stomach sleeper, but it’s worth mentioning that experts almost universally recommend against sleeping in this position because of the potential neck strain and spinal stress. Indeed, spinal alignment is an uphill battle for stomach sleepers, especially when head support is concerned: Your neck can be pushed up uncomfortably with a too-thick pillow, so you need a thin pillow that has just enough substance to support—especially if your mattress is soft, to prevent your head from sinking in.

Beyond that, stomach sleepers must consider different pillow qualities and characteristics than back sleepers and side sleepers.

Pillow Fill, Material, and Construction

Pillow fills and designs have unique and distinct benefits and create different sensations when they cradle your head as you rest.

Down has long dominated the pillow industry as a fill. It can lend a softer surface that gives way under pressure, making it a good choice for stomach sleeping. Some consider it less durable over time because the delicate feathers become permanently compressed after a year or so of use, but this isn’t a major concern for stomach sleepers, as pillow loft and its longevity are not key concerns. Down pillows also frequently fall on the pricier side and are more difficult to wash, often requiring dry cleaning.

Down alternative is most often made from polyester or a rayon-polyester blend. This filling aims to replicate the feel of a down pillow, often for a lower price. While down-alternative products are thought to be better for people with allergies, research has shown that they may actually trap more allergens than down bedding, McKeon says, though further research is needed. The build-up may be due to manufacturers’ use of looser weave encasements as compared to traditional down pillows, which are generally tucked in tightly woven fabric to prevent the feathers from escaping.

Solid-foam pillows are made of a single, thick piece of foam, or several layers of it fused together. Sometimes they’re molded into a contoured shape, while other times they take the form of a massive sponge. They can feel spongy as well, providing a light springiness, or may be made with compressible, cradling memory foam. Solid-foam pillows are plagued by one of the same issues foam mattresses face: They may smell bad for a period after being opened due to off-gassing. More often than not, foam pillows aren’t cushy or thin enough and leave stomach sleepers’ necks craned upward.

Shredded foam pillows feel more like down or down-alternative pillows, as opposed to those made of solid foam. These pillows are often adjustable and may come overfilled and even with extra stuffing so that you can add or take away fill until to find your perfect loft and feel. For that reason, they can appeal to a large audience. Stomach sleepers will most likely want to remove fill, not add or even keep the level the same, upon the pillow’s arrival.

Adjustable or customizable pillows offer you the option to remove stuffing, layers of padding, or other types of fill. They're a great option to ensure you can get just the right fit. For stomach sleepers, a customized pillow may wind up looking scant once you’ve had your way, but with the excess you remove, it may give you the option to save the abundant excess and later change out all the stuffing, if you’d like!

Temperature and Pillows

There’s more substantial evidence supporting temperature’s role in sleep quality than in the need to avoid blue light before bed. Pillows can play a major role in keeping your body cool overnight by way of your head. Cooling caps have even been shown to help insomniacs doze off, so if you run hot, prioritizing a pillow you can chill with—or at least one that won’t heat you up—may improve your sleep quality.

For the most part, the majority of pillows we tested for stomach sleepers didn’t diffuse heat but they also didn’t retain it, in our lab tests. The one exception was the Purple Pillow, which noticeably held onto the heat generated by our test electric blanket, despite company claims that the design provides cooling.

Caring for and Cleaning Your Pillow

As mentioned, you should consider replacing your pillow every couple of years, depending on the material and a handful of other factors. However, there are other things you should be doing with your pillow during the year or so you spend with it.

Regularly cleaning your pillows can help prevent the build-up of dust and allergens, and may actually prolong their lifespan. Experts recommend everyone wash their pillows at least twice a year (but don’t feel bad if you haven’t been—even I don't clean pillow frequently enough). People with allergies should wash their pillow more often—every four weeks, according to McKeon. So, buying a machine-washable pillow can encourage the practice by making it easier than buying pillows that require dry cleaning.

Solid-foam and down are great fills for sleeping, but they’re often less washable than down-alternative and shredded-foam pillows, making them harder to keep clean. For pillows that aren’t machine-washable, it’s even more important to keep them encased in zippered protective covers (plus your regular pillowcases) and wash the covers frequently.

When shopping for a cover to prevent allergy build-up, look for tightly woven fabrics to prevent dust mite and dust build up in pillows. High-density microfiber weaves can block allergens from passing through, because the weave is inherently tight given the tiny circumference of the yarn. You can also shop for products that specifically advertise allergy and dust-mite control qualities. The American Allergy and Asthma Foundation certifies products, and can be a good resource to find pillow protectors to keep your sneezes at bay.

Other Pillows We Tested

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