The Best Pillows for Front Sleepers
Experts unanimously agree that sleeping on your stomach is not considered optimal.
Nevertheless, many individuals still find it to be the most comfortable way to sleep. This posture can lead to back pain by flattening the natural curve of your spine, and it may result in waking up with neck strain. If sleeping on your front is your preferred position, it's crucial to select the right pillow to alleviate these issues.
In this guide, we're going to explain the things you need to consider when choosing the best front sleeper pillow and mattress. We’ll also share our top product picks, so you can feel supported night after night. This guide will cover:
When it comes to getting a great night's sleep, choosing the right pillow is almost as important as picking the right mattress. The pillow that is right for you is largely a matter of personal choice but, for front sleepers, you typically want a pillow that is as thin as possible. If you use a thick pillow, your head will be awkwardly angled upwards, making your spine unaligned. Most will find it difficult to fall asleep in this position and, even if you do, you'll likely wake up with neck pain.
The pillow that is right for you is largely a matter of personal choice but, for front sleepers, you typically want a pillow that is as thin as possible. If you use a thick pillow, your head will be awkwardly angled upwards, making your spine unaligned. Most will find it difficult to fall asleep in this position and, even if you do, you'll likely wake up with neck pain.
Best budget pillow for front sleepers – Memosan Anatomic Pillow
If you want to get a great night's sleep at a fantastic price, you can't go wrong with the Memosan anatomic pillow. This thin, contoured anatomic front sleeper pillow gives you multiple options if you're sleeping on your front, with the comfort of memory foam to fully support your head. As a front sleeper, you neck is bent at an unnatural angle, the Memosan anatomic pillow helps to relieve that stress. Not only is memory foam super comfortable, it's also more resistant to dust mites than other materials, which are the main cause of bedtime allergies.
Best customisable pillow for front sleepers – Dormeo Octasense Pillow
If you want total control over your sleep experience, then you'll want a pillow that you can completely customise to your own needs. The Octasense pillow is a versatile choice that is suitable for all sleeping positions with a unique 2-in-1 construction that combines a Octaspring tube with removeable microfibre filling. With full anatomic support, this front sleeper pillow adapts three-dimensionally to your neck, making it a great choice for all front sleepers.
Best cool pillow for front sleepers – Octasmart Pillow
This super cool, comfortable smart pillow features special memory foam springs for optimised support night after night. Dozens of smart Octasprings move in all dimensions, offering bespoke support that continually adapts to your sleep position and cradles your head. This, combined with a smart performance cover, circulates air inside whilst allowing warm air to escape, cooling your bed temperature by up to 3°C.
Is it bad to sleep on your stomach?
Sleeping on your stomach is generally considered unfavourable for several reasons. This position places extra stress on the spine and neck, leading to potential discomfort and long-term issues. For optimal sleep quality, it is recommended to maintain proper spinal alignment throughout the night, which is often better achieved through back or side sleeping.
Here are some reasons why sleeping on your stomach may not be ideal:
- Strain on your spine: Stomach sleeping adds unnecessary pressure on the spine, as the core of the body carries most of the weight. This can result in an uneven distribution of weight, leading to discomfort and potential spinal problems.
- Pain in your neck: The act of turning the head to the side for breathing while sleeping on the stomach can cause neck strain. Over time, this misalignment may contribute to neck problems and, in severe cases, could lead to issues like a herniated disk.
- Bad for pregnant women: Pregnant women, especially in the later stages of pregnancy, should avoid sleeping on their stomachs. The pressure on the abdomen can be uncomfortable for the mother and potentially impact the baby's development.
- It may decrease snoring: While stomach sleeping may reduce snoring and symptoms of sleep apnea for some individuals, it comes with other drawbacks that may outweigh these benefits.
That's everything you need to know about sleeping on your front. Follow our advice and you'll be able to get the best mattress and pillow for front sleeping and finally get the rest you deserve. For more great information about pillows, why not check out our Guides and Advice section or have a read of our Sleep Blog.