Last Updated: January 2025 | Written by Sleep Better Expert Team
Quick Answer: The best pillow for stomach sleepers is the Coop Home Goods Adjustable Pillow because you can remove fill to achieve an ultra-low loft. For a budget option, the Weekender Shredded Memory Foam offers thin support without breaking the bank.
Stomach sleeping is challenging for pillows. Most pillows are too thick, forcing your neck into an unnatural angle that causes strain and pain. The solution? A pillow designed for prone sleeping—known as a challenges of prone sleeping position——thin, soft, and supportive where it counts.
We tested over 10 low-loft pillows specifically for stomach sleepers. Here are the options that actually work.
Best Pillows for Stomach Sleepers Compared
| Pillow | Best For | Loft | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coop Home Goods Adjustable | Best Overall | Adjustable (ultra-low possible) | $$ |
| Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze | Best Cooling | Low-Medium | $$$ |
| Eli & Elm Adjustable | Best Premium | Adjustable | $$$ |
| Weekender Shredded Memory Foam | Best Budget | Low | $ |
| Pancake Pillow | Best Flat | Ultra-Low | $$ |
Detailed Reviews
1. Coop Home Goods Adjustable — Best Overall
The Coop Home Goods Adjustable is perfect for stomach sleepers because you control the loft. Remove fill until you have barely any thickness left—exactly what stomach sleeping requires. The shredded memory foam and microfiber blend remains supportive even at minimal fill levels.
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Key Features:
- Fully adjustable fill level
- Can achieve ultra-low loft
- Maintains support even when thin
- Includes extra fill bag
- Machine washable
2. Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze — Best Cooling
Hot stomach sleepers will appreciate the TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze‘s dual-sided cooling technology. One side features gel-infused TEMPUR material, while the other offers traditional TEMPUR comfort. The medium loft may be slightly high for strict stomach sleepers, but combination sleepers love it.
3. Eli & Elm Adjustable — Best Premium
The Eli & Elm Adjustable Pillow features a unique U-shape design with adjustable fill. You can create an ultra-thin stomach sleeping surface while the side wings provide optional arm support. It’s premium-priced but highly specialized.
4. Weekender Shredded Memory Foam — Best Budget
The Weekender Shredded Memory Foam Pillow offers excellent value for stomach sleepers. It comes at a lower loft than most pillows and uses shredded foam that can be somewhat compressed for even thinner support.
5. Pancake Pillow — Best Flat
The Pancake Pillow is literally designed to be as flat as a pancake. It consists of multiple thin layers you can add or remove to achieve any thickness—including nearly flat. Perfect for stomach sleepers who want minimal height.
Why Stomach Sleepers Need Low-Loft Pillows
When you sleep on your stomach, your head naturally turns to one side. A thick pillow forces your neck into an extreme rotation, straining muscles and compressing spinal joints. The solution is a pillow with minimal loft that allows your neck to remain as neutral as possible.
Ideal specifications for stomach sleepers:
- Loft: 2-3 inches maximum (some prefer even less)
- Firmness: Soft to medium-soft
- Fill: Compressible materials like down, down alternative, or shredded foam
The Problem with Regular Pillows for Stomach Sleepers
Most pillows are designed for side and back sleepers, with lofts of 4-6 inches. For a stomach sleeper, this creates:
- Neck hyperextension: Your neck bends backward at an unnatural angle
- Cervical rotation strain: Turning your head on a thick pillow torques your neck
- Lower back issues: The neck angle can affect entire spinal alignment
- Morning pain: Waking with headaches, stiffness, or numbness
Should Stomach Sleepers Use No Pillow?
Some stomach sleepers find they’re most comfortable with no head pillow at all. This eliminates neck strain entirely. However, many find it uncomfortable without something under their head.
A compromise: try placing a thin pillow under your hips/pelvis instead. This prevents lower back hyperextension while allowing you to go pillow-free for your head.
Tips for Stomach Sleepers
- Transition gradually: If you’re used to thick pillows, slowly reduce height over time
- Consider a mattress pillow: Some flat pillow—known as a flat pillow for prone sleeping—s are designed to compress into the mattress
- Try pillow alternatives—known as a pillow alternatives for stomach sleepers—: Folded towels or thin blankets can substitute
- Support your pelvis: A thin pillow under your hips can help spinal alignment
- Stretch in the morning: Gentle neck stretches help counteract sleeping position
For more sleep position guidance, check out our sleeping position guide.
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Natural ingredients • No prescription needed • 60-day guarantee
FAQ
What pillow height is best for stomach sleepers?
Stomach sleepers should use pillows with 2-3 inches of loft or less. Many stomach sleepers prefer ultra-thin pillows or even no pillow at all. The key is minimizing neck rotation and extension.
Is stomach sleeping bad for you?
Stomach sleeping can strain your neck and spine if you use the wrong pillow. With proper support (thin pillow and possibly a pelvis pillow), it’s manageable. However, side and back sleeping are generally healthier positions.
Should stomach sleepers use a firm or soft pillow—known as a soft pillow that compresses easily—?
Soft to medium-soft pillows work best for stomach sleepers. A firm pillow would hold your head too high, exacerbating neck strain. The pillow should compress easily.
Final Thoughts
Stomach sleeping requires specialized pillow selection. The Coop Home Goods Adjustable remains our top choice because its customizable fill lets you achieve any loft level, including ultra-thin. For budget shoppers, the Weekender Shredded Memory Foam offers solid thin support at an accessible price.
Related reading: Best Pillows for Side Sleepers | Best Pillows for Back Sleepers | Best Pillows for Neck Pain
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