The top pillows for stomach sleepers, tested and approved
Top-Rated Pillows for Stomach Sleepers in 2025: Extensively Evaluated
Stomach sleeping might not be the most optimal sleep position, but for those who just can't switch it up, having a comfortable and supportive pillow is crucial. We've put a variety of pillows designed specifically for stomach sleepers to the test and have found four standouts that'll keep your neck and spine aligned while you snooze.
Best overall pillow for stomach sleepers: Saatva Latex Pillow
This pillow provides the perfect balance of softness and support, thanks to its outer layer filled with down-alternative fibers and a removable inner core made of shredded latex. The inner core is encased, so you won't have to worry about shredded fill spilling everywhere like with other adjustable pillows. The downside is that it's not completely customizable (you can't add or remove fill), so you can only adjust the pillow by removing the inner core. We found this pillow most comfortable for stomach sleeping with the inner core removed, showcasing its squishiness and malleability. Plus, it's available in queen and king sizes and comes with a removable, washable organic cotton outer cover.
Best firm pillow for stomach sleepers: Brooklinen Marlow Pillow
For those who prefer a firm pillow, the Brooklinen Marlow will be a fan favorite. Its dense yet light feel offers plenty of support, and if you find it too firm, the side zippers let you open the gussets for more give (though we found the difference in feel to be minimal). It's also spot clean only, so we recommend using a pillowcase, especially for heavy sleepers or those prone to spills. The pillow comes in standard and king sizes, and Brooklinen has a generous 365-day return policy, so you can try it out for a while and return it if it doesn't work for you.
Best soft pillow for stomach sleepers: Casper Hybrid Pillow
Although a firm pillow is generally recommended for stomach sleepers, if you like a slightly softer feel, you'll love the Casper Hybrid Pillow. Its rectangular shape is perfect for stomach sleepers, and it comes in low or regular loft to suit different preferences and body frames. The synthetic fill and surrounding memory foam provide a squishy feel, while the molded foam helps it maintain its shape. It's also a good choice for hot sleepers, as it has holes throughout for ventilation.
Best adjustable pillow for stomach sleepers: Layla Kapok Pillow
The firm yet bouncy Layla Kapok Pillow is made with shredded memory foam and kapok fiber. It's also adjustable, so you can make it as soft or firm as you prefer by removing or adding fill. Its unique honeycomb cover feels plush and luxurious, although it may need some adjustments throughout the night since the fill tends to move around. We suggest using a pillowcase or protector to keep it clean, and we appreciate that Layla offers a 30-night trial period with an easy return process.
The rundown
To compile our list of top picks, we searched for options each brand claimed to be designed specifically for stomach sleepers. We then consulted with various sleep doctors and researchers to find answers on the best pillow shapes, firmness levels, and fill for stomach sleepers. After spending several nights testing each pillow, these four stood out as the best for stomach sleepers.
Now, let's dive into each pillow:
Brooklinen Marlow
For those who prefer a firm pillow, the Brooklinen Marlow delivers a dense yet light feel with ample support. Sports a crisp, cool cover made from 100% long-staple cotton that's both durable and breathable. And with a whopping 27% off at checkout using code CNNDEALS through April 30 (exclusions apply), this pillow becomes an even more enticing choice.
Saatva Latex Pillow
The Saatva Latex Pillow caught our attention during testing, as it offered a supportive yet squishy feel with a removable inner core filled with shredded latex. Its outer layer contains down-alternative fibers, and both the cover and inner core are machine washable. The downside is it's only available in queen and king sizes, so it may not fit well in standard pillowcases.
Casper Hybrid Pillow
The Casper Hybrid Pillow showcases a slightly softer feel, with its synthetic fill and surrounding memory foam providing a comfortable cushion. We found it particularly effective for stomach sleepers, as its rectangular shape provides the right amount of elevation while still offering enough fill to support your head and neck. It's also ventilated, which helps with keeping cool during those hot summer nights.
Layla Kapok Pillow
The firm yet bouncy Layla Kapok Pillow is made with shredded memory foam and kapok fiber. We love how adjustable it is, with the ability to add or remove fill to achieve the perfect firmness. Its unique honeycomb cover feels luxurious to the touch, and while it may require some adjustments throughout the night due to its fill moving around, the cover is machine washable.
Related article: The best pillows for side sleepers in 2023, tried and tested
How we tested
After narrowing down our list to the most popular pillows and brands, we slept on each for a minimum of two nights and a maximum of seven. We noted each pillow's comfort level, how easy it was to clean, whether it was well-constructed and durable, and the availability of firmness levels. We also checked if we could try out the pillow and for how long, as well as the ease with which we could return it.
Why trust us
Our in-house testing team has extensive product knowledge and experience, and they ensure each article is thoroughly vetted and carefully edited. We consulted leading sleep therapy psychologists and researchers to ensure our testing accurately captures the pros and cons of each item.
Jamie Ueda, our contributing writer, specializes in product testing and covers consumer products, including sleep essentials. In addition to this guide, Ueda has written about other popular pillows on CNN Underscored, such as the best cooling pillows and the best pillows for side sleepers. For this guide, she evaluated each pillow based on its comfort level, cleaning simplicity, durability, construction, and available firmness levels.
[1] "The best pillows for back sleepers in 2023, tried and tested," https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/mens-fashion/best-pillows-for-back-sleepers/index.html (accessed 2023-03-30)[2] "Sleep Number Comfortfit Pillow Ultimate," https://www.sleepnumber.com/products/accessories/pillows/comfortfit-pillow-ultimate (accessed 2023-03-30)[3] "Pluto Pillow," https://www.plutopillow.com/ (accessed 2023-03-30)
- Stomach sleepers often seek guides for finding the best pillows to ensure their neck and spine remain aligned, as a comfortable and supportive pillow is critical in this sleep position.
- While scientists continue to assess the impact of various medical-conditions on sleep, the importance of a suitable pillow for stomach sleepers is well-documented in health-and-wellness literature.
- In the realm of environmental-science, it's important to consider the environmental impact and sustainability of the pillows purchased, as part of a responsible lifestyle.
- Fashion-and-beauty enthusiasts may also take into account the aesthetic appeal of their pillow, as it’s considered an essential element of home-and-garden decor.
- Pets, such as dogs or cats, might also use a pillow as a resting place, making it essential to choose a pillow that offers durability and easy maintenance.
- Travelers often need a pillow for long journeys, making adjustability and compactness crucial factors to consider when choosing a pillow.
- For those who enjoy driving, a comfortable car pillow can significantly improve their comfort during lengthy car rides.
- Shopping for household essentials often includes purchasing a new pillow, so taking into account the brand reputation, customer reviews, and warranty information is valuable during the selection process.
- Relationships can be enriched through shared experiences, such as shopping for a pillow together and making a decision based on one another's preferences and needs.
