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Best for: Highlights: However, a firmer mattress can lead to pain/discomfort by putting too much pressure on the chest and pelvis for some people – particularly if you’ve got a large chest for example. Plus, some front sleepers want a more plush feel, and this is where a softer mattress can help distribute weight.
Keep in mind that a softer mattress does not automatically equate to a less supportive mattress . Some softer mattresses still provide enough support to keep the spine in its natural alignment, but they may also have more give or cushioning to make sleeping on them that much more pleasant.
For front sleepers, a less-firm mattress like the Nectar Memory Foam can offer the necessary support for the hips and shoulders, while still contouring to the body’s natural curves.
The pressure-relieving layer of memory foam in the Nectar mattress works to keep any pressure you’re feeling at a minimum , which can be particularly beneficial for front sleepers who might put pressure on their chests and stomachs.
For example, if you’re a front sleeper and you tend to sleep with your arms tucked under your body , the pressure-relieving layer of memory foam can help to alleviate the pressure on your arms and prevent you from waking up with numbness or tthat annoying tingling sensation.
We're completely independent from any mattress company. We've spent countless hours curating and reviewing mattresses that anyone can buy in the UK, and have been doing so since 2018. Mattresses tested: 82 Total hours testing: 602 Pillows tested: 24 Total hours testing: 183 Duvets tested: 35+ Funds spent on testing: £7,500+
5. Silentnight Sofia 1200 Pocket Spring Mattress
Silentnight is a hugely reputable brand for bed products in the UK. The Sofia 1200 Pocket Spring mattress is one of the best , and is priced in the middle range and is great for front or stomach sleepers who are of average weight. It is graded by Silentnight as a medium/firm mattress but don’t forget that there is no universal standard for measuring the firmness of a mattress.
The Sofia 1200 is a more traditional type of mattress that most people choose, as it features pocket springs. Pocket springs are the more modern type of spring technology used in mattresses and should not be confused with the old-fashioned coil spring mattresses which typically offered much less support.
When it comes to buying a new mattress of any firmness, you can’t really go wrong with Silentnight. They have a wide range of different products available and are probably one of the best known makes in the UK right now. The Sofia 1200 is a prime example of their innovation and is rated highly by people who have bought it. It has also won various awards from various expert testers.
One of the great things about the Silentnight Sofia 1200 is the fact that it can be flipped over, which will greatly increase its lifespan. Typically, a pocket spring mattress will come with a warranty lasting anywhere between 1 and 10 years, and this one sits bang in the middle with its 5-year warranty. Unfortunately, the Silentnight Sofia 1200 doesn’t come with a free trial , so if you can’t try one out in the shop it’s a good idea to read through a few reviews online.
Spring count Mattress and sleeping experts believe that a good king size mattress should have 1,000 or more springs. The Sofia 1200 gets its name from the fact that it has 1,200 springs, so 20% more than the experts consider a good amount. If you are of an average weight and build, then 1,200 should be fine – but the number of springs can go up to 2,000 if you are larger and need that but more support. Many cheaper mattresses will boast having many thousands of springs, but don’t be fooled by this. One trick that the cheaper manufacturers perform is to layer smaller springs on top of each other to increase the spring count.
More from WhatMattress... 6. Sleepeezee Hybrid 2000 Mattress Type Hybrid Firmness Firm Price (UK) £549
Sleepeezee Hybrid 2000 mattress is a little bit of a pricier option, but Sleepeezee mattresses offer value for money for many reasons. Sleepeezee have a Royal Warrant because the royal family use them. Any mattress that’s good enough for the queen is probably good enough for you. The Hybrid 2000 is a firmer mattress than the Silentnight Sofia 1200, so is more suitable for those who are slightly above average weight. Sleepeezee are also one of the highest-rated pocket spring mattress brands in the UK, probably because they offer a home trial period for their products. Unfortunately, you cannot return the mattress for a full refund if it’s no good, but instead Sleepeezee will swap it for another one of their products if you’re not completely happy with the Hybrid 2000 mattress.
The Sleepeezee Hybrid 2000 mattress gets its name from the fact that it is what is known as a hybrid mattress. In this case, a hybrid mattress is one that combined pocket springs with the added comfort of a top layer of gel foam. The fact that this mattress has a gel foam layer on top means that it cannot be turned over like the SilentNight Sofia 1200, as the gel layer is only on one side. In order to help extend it’s life it’s a good idea to rotate it periodically. Like the SilentNight Sofia, the Sleepeezee Hybrid 2000 also comes with a 5-year guarantee.
7. Reylon Ultimate Ortho Support 1500 Pocket Sprung Mattress Type Pocket sprung Firmness Very firm Price £615
The physio industry have always said that if you want to protect your back then you should sleep on a very firm mattress. Such mattresses are often described as ‘orthopedic’, due to the fact that they are thought to offer the correct amount of support for your back. According to the Sleep Council , this is nonsense as it’s more about the support that a mattress can offer you than how firm it is. According to them, an ideal mattress is one that is firm enough to support your spine in the correct alignment while at the same time conforming to the contours of your body.
If you’re a person of a heavier build, and like to sleep on your front or stomach, then you will probably find that the Reylon Ultimate Ortho Support 1500 pocket sprung mattress is the best choice for you. It has 1500 pocket springs, so will offer you more support than mattresses with a lower spring count, and at 30cm deep it’s a lot deeper than most other mattresses. It is also very heavy, with the super king version weighing 75kg. Despite this, this mattress can still be flipped to increase longevity (although help from another person is highly recommended).
Reylon are not quite as well known as the larger mattress brands, but the Ultimate Ortho Support 1500 pocket sprung mattress has a plethora of good reviews online, so is well worth a look if you’re heavier than the average person and like to sleep on your front.
Stomach Sleeping: Good or Bad? So, most experts actually advise against sleeping on your stomach. But let’s be honest, sometimes it’s just the most comfortable position, even if it’s only temporary.
However, sleeping on your stomach can cause some physical discomfort so if you’re someone who does it often, you might want to consider getting a mattress that’s specifically designed to meet your needs. This can help reduce or even eliminate some of the downsides of stomach sleeping.
One of the biggest issues with stomach sleeping is that it can cause neck soreness. When you turn your head for a long period of time, it puts a lot of strain on your neck. Also, stomach sleepers tend to extend their necks backward, which can compress their spine and lead to arm numbness due to restricted blood flow and compressed nerves. And if you’re someone who brings a leg up when sleeping on your stomach, it can even torque your hips and lower back, which can cause pain.
Another problem is that if your midsection sinks too deeply into the mattress, it can strain your spine. And since stomach sleeping can cause aches and pains, you might end up tossing and turning more during the night, which could prevent you from getting enough restful sleep.
Now, while there are definitely some potential drawbacks to sleeping on your stomach, there is one possible benefit: some people actually snore less when they sleep on their stomachs. So it’s not all bad news.
Why might I be in pain? Stomach sleepers need to be careful when selecting a mattress, as going for the wrong type can lead to pain in various parts of the body such as the back, neck, and shoulders . Due to the position of the head, stomach sleepers often experience neck pain. Additionally, those with a heavier midsection may find their body sinking too deep into the mattress without proper support, resulting in more aches.
When your mattress doesn’t provide the necessary spinal and joint alignment, your muscles will then have to work harder during the night to align your spine. This extra effort can often cause you to wake up with more aches and pains, which can persist throughout the day.
If you find yourself waking up with discomfort that tends to subside later in the day, it’s possible that your mattress is the cause . In such cases, choosing the right mattress may help to reduce strain, provide better spinal support, and allow your muscles to relax during the night.
What about the spine? Let’s discuss the connection between keeping your spine straight and proper sleep . The key to good spinal alignment is simple, really: straight body alignment . Or in other words, when you stand up straight and tall, your spine is likely in good alignment but if you tend to slouch, your spine is likely not in its optimal position.
And that’s the same for when you sleep; just as crucial as keeping your spine in good alignment during the day is doing so at night.
No matter how you choose to get your kip, your spine should be in the best position: straight and with no bending or twisting. If you sleep on your stomach, you may have trouble maintaining proper spinal alignment. Too soft of a mattress might cause your hips and thighs to sink in too far, while too hard of a mattress can prevent your shoulders and head from sinking in far enough. In any case, this could put stress on the body and result in discomfort.
So, how can stomach sleepers improve their situation? Mattresses that strike a good balance between support and firmness are ideal for stomach sleepers since they allow the shoulders to sink in without the hips doing so, if that makes sense.
What are the side effects of the wrong mattress? Stomach sleeping might be comfortable for some, but it can lead to pain and discomfort if you’re using the wrong type of mattress. Neck pain is a common issue for stomach sleepers who crane their head to the side rather than sleeping face-down. If you carry extra weight around your midsection, a mattress that doesn’t provide proper support can cause your midsection to sink too deep, leading to more aches throughout the body.
When your mattress doesn’t keep your spine and joints properly aligned, your muscles have to work overtime during the night to try to correct your spine’s alignment. This can result in waking up with more aches and pains. If you notice that your pains tend to lessen throughout the day, your mattress could be the culprit. Investing in the right mattress with better spinal support can prevent undue strain and allow your muscles to relax during the night, leading to a more comfortable sleep experience.
What’s the right mattress for stomach sleepers then? Firmness and weight are two factors to think about while shopping for a new mattress. A mattress that works well for someone who is lighter may not be firm enough for someone who is heavier.
The conventional scale for evaluating the firmness of a mattress is a 10-point scale, with 1 representing the softest and 10 representing the firmest and we use a similar system here at WhatMattress.
Most people who sleep on their bellies prefer a firmer mattress than those who sleep on their sides, even if they weigh the same amount. Because of the benefits to spinal alignment and pressure relief provided by a firmer mattress, stomach sleepers often prefer them.
A mattress with a firmness level between 5 and 6 may be ideal for those who weighs between 9 and 16 stone (and who prefers to sleep on their stomach of course). A softer mattress with more contouring and pressure relief may be more comfortable for any sotmach sleepers who weigh less than 9 stone. But of course, your mileage may vary. So, where do I start? Being totally honest, finding the right mattress for your body depends on what you like and what’s causing your discomfort with your existing mattress.
Although different mattress types are constructed using different materials, there are similarities between them that can help guide your decision.
Memory foam mattresses have decent pressure-relieving cradling – and that is their main highlight. They can adjust to a sleeper’s body and position, which may help alleviate sharp pressure points that are associated with stomach sleeping. However, it’s essential to note that softer foam mattresses may allow a stomach sleeper’s midsection to sink in too deeply, which could hinder proper alignment.
Hybrid mattresses blend materials in the comfort and support layers. You can usually find polyfoam, memory foam, latex , wool, cotton, and microcoils in the comfort layer, and coils in the support core. The combination of materials gives a balance between cushioning and stability. This is great for stomach sleepers, as the cushioned comfort layers ease pressure points and the stable support layers prevent your midsection from sinking in too much.
Latex mattresses are made of either natural latex, synthetic latex, or a combination of both. The density and firmness of the foam can vary between layers, allowing the overall feel of the mattress to be adjusted. Talalay latex is more buoyan t and is often used in the comfort layers, while Dunlop latex is denser and can be used in both the comfort and supporive layers. One of the highlights of a latex mattress is the contouring without sinkage i.e weight is distributed over a larger surface area than with an all-foam mattress. This provides pressure relief without allowing too much sinkage, which may improve spinal alignment for stomach sleepers.
Innerspring mattresses rely on a layer of coils, which can be of several types, including pocketed coils, Bonnell coils, offset coils, and continuous-wire coils. Innerspring models can have thin comfort layers to add some cushioning. Quality innerspring mattresses usually provide even support throughout the mattress, which can prevent significant sagging of your midsection.
Should I get an orthopaedic mattress? Honestly? Probably not.
While the best orthopaedic mattresses are designed to provide significant support to the spine, joints and muscles, the level of support provided is intended to help alleviate or prevent pain in these areas. And in my opinion most front sleepers will find an orthopaedic mattress too firm and uncomfortable.
It ultimately depends on individual preferences and body types. It’s worth noting that the term “orthopaedic” is not a regulated term, and any mattress can be marketed as such, so it’s important to research and try out mattresses before making a purchase.
What about pillows? OK, so this is a mattress review but I’m also going to mention pillows. Arguably, the right pillow is even more important for side sleepers than a mattress.
That’s because the right pillow should make sleeping more comfortable, but for stomach sleepers, bad pillows could also worsen neck strain.
A pillow may force your neck to extend backward, which can compress your spine and cause arm numbness. As a result, some stomach sleepers prefer to sleep without a pillow. A mattress with soft comfort layers can provide cushioning and support while keeping your spine better aligned.
For stomach sleepers who choose to use a pillow, a low profile option is best. Thicker pillows may force your neck to extend even further backward , putting extra pressure on your spine and leading to more aches and pains.
In addition to a head pillow, you may want to use extra pillows to promote better spinal alignment and relieve aches and pains. Placing a low profile pillow under your pelvis can help lessen pressure in the lower back and stomach area by preventing your midsection from sinking too much. This isn’t just good practice for sex, but ideally should be done quite often according to this article .
Similarly, positioning a low profile pillow under your shoulders can help alleviate pressure in the upper spine and shoulder area by filling the open space between your neck and the mattress.
Verdict In conclusion, stomach sleeping may not exactly be the ideal position for spinal alignment, but if it is your preferred way to sleep, you can still get a good night’s rest with the right mattress (and pillow. When selecting a mattress, consider your weight, body shape, and firmness preference above all else; a mattress that properly supports your spine and prevents excessive sinkage around the midsection is crucial to wake up without aches and pains.
The seven mattresses that I have recommended above have been personally tested and hand-reviewed. For stomach sleepers my top four are the Ergoflex 5G Memory Foam Mattress, Emma Original, Simba Hybrid Luxe, and Nectar Memory Foam. These mattresses have been chosen based on their durability, support, temperature control, and pressure relief.
Here at WhatMattress we take mattress research seriously - all our product tests are done as fairly and honestly as possible.
That's quite a bold claim, but we're proud of the attention to detail that you're hopefully seeing within our reviews. Our methodology sets us apart from many other review websites. I like to think this is because WhatMattress is only run by two people - Carrie and Anthony. Over the years we've hand-tested multiple mattresses, pillow and other bedding products - so that you don't have to!
Every single mattress is put through its paces using the following tests:
We make sure to live with the mattress for at least a week. We always sleep on the mattress we're testing - every single night. We will always be 100% honest when we weigh up the pros and the cons of each mattress. And in most cases, we've bought the mattress ourselves and haven't been given a free one. Remember, finding the right mattress is not just about getting one that is labelled “firm”… it’s about finding the right level of support for your body type and sleeping position. By taking the time to research and test out different mattresses, you can find the perfect one that suits your needs and allows you to get a restful night’s sleep.
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What type of mattress do I need for front sleeping? If you are a front-sleeper then a firm mattress is best, otherwise you will sink down too far into it if it's too soft.
What firmness level should I look for when buying a mattress as a stomach sleeper? Firmness levels are a bit meaningless because all manufacturers claim they are "medium firm". Instead I suggest to rely on hand-tested reviews and scales - here at WhatMattress we use our own firmness scale, so look for one ideally of or above '7' out of 10.
Are hybrid mattresses good for stomach sleepers? Yes, hybrid mattresses can be an excellent choice for stomach sleepers. Hybrid mattresses offer a unique combination of contouring foam comfort layers and supportive coil cores, making them ideal for relieving pressure spots and maintaining spinal alignment.
How we reviewed this article: Our experts continually monitor the mattress & sleep tech space, and we update our reviews & articles when new information becomes available.
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