Best Pillow for Stomach Sleepers

If you’re one of those brave souls who prefers to snooze on your stomach, you know the struggle of finding the perfect pillow. The wrong choice can leave you with a sore neck, achy shoulders, and a less-than-restful sleep.

But fear not, because I’ve done the hard work for you. My team of sleep experts and I have tested and curated a list of top UK pillows designed specifically for stomach sleepers. Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to blissful slumber… It’s time to find your dream pillow and wake up on the right side – or rather, the front – of the bed.

Here at WhatMattress, our sleep experts went through several stages of testing to find the top pillows for stomach/front sleepers. We gathered feedback from our product testers who primarily sleep on their stomachs, as well as combination sleepers who sometimes sleep in this position.

This way, we could be sure that each pillow we recommend is a good fit for stomach sleepers, whether because of a low profile, adjustable depth, or enhanced head and neck support.

Note that your pillow can also be to blame if you regularly struggle to get comfortable when in bed. So, when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, it really is important to ensure that you’re as comfortable as possible – which may sound obvious, but many people just “put up” with it.

Is there a pillow specifically for front sleepers?

If you sleep on your front (stomach) and often wake up with a sore neck, shoulder or back then it could be down to your pillow. This is because the firmness and height of your pillow is crucial.

And what’s more, if your head and neck are elevated too much, it can cause all sorts of problems; that’s why we made sure to focus more on  pillows that are thinner, so your head and neck are in a more natural position.

Finding the right balance is not easy, especially when there are so many other factors to consider. The amount of support required will vary depending on whether you are a front sleeper, side or stomach sleeper. This is in addition to your personal preference of course.

Note that this information is generally the same for mattresses, too: for example if you sleep on your back then you will need to find a suitable mattress for back sleepers.

Why is my pillow uncomfortable?

The general advice I always give here is: wake up and smell reality! Your pillow has an expiration date, like a lot of things, and it’s time to face the hard truth that even the fanciest, priciest pillows lose their magic over time.

As they age, they become more like unsupportive ghosts of their former selves, unwieldy and out of shape. So, if you’re a proud stomach sleeper who wakes up with a mix of aches, pains, and nasal obstructions, it’s high time for a pillow upgrade.

Don’t worry, I’ve scoured the market to find the ultimate thin and mighty pillows that’ll transform your sleep experience. Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to dreamy nights of deep, rejuvenating rest. Get ready to meet your match made in pillow heaven!

Overview: Top UK Pillows for Front Sleepers

1. Simba Hybrid pillow – Best Overall

The Simba Hybrid mattress comes highly rated, and so it’s not much of a surprise that so does the Simba Hybrid pillow.

If your face tends to get hot when you sleep, then it is well worth looking into the Simba. Not only does it offer decent levels of support, but it is also very capable of cooling you down.

The support comes from small foam cubes – or what Simba rather bizarrely call nanocubes – that make up the middle layer of the pillow. These can be added or removed as required, giving you a completely customised pillow. So, for those who like to sleep on their front, it’s easy to remove nanocubes in order to get a thinner, but more supportive pillow.

The combination of fabric used on the cover, a layer of mineral-enriched fibres on one of the layers, and a ventilation strip across the middle of the pillow provide acceptable levels of coolness. Not only can excess heat be dissipated as required, but it can also be stored and released during colder nights. This ensures optimal comfort for the pillow user at all times. We have tried and tested the Simba Hybrid pillow and we think it is one of the best pillows that money can buy.

Simba also prides itself on being environmentally friendly, with foam that is free from TCPP and other pollutants, as well as a commitment to sourcing cotton from Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) farmers. They’re also now B-Corp certified.

While the Simba Hybrid Pillow may be a popular option in the UK (it’s been around for ages!), it’s not without its detractors. Some stomach sleepers may find the cover too thick, with a strange ‘hot’ feeling, and it’s also not very firm. Thankfully, Simba have come up with a ‘firm’ Hybrid Pillow, though it does cost more.

The regular Hybrid Pillow is not as expensive as it used to be, but check for Simba Sleep discount codes first!

2. Eve Memory Foam Pillow – Best Bugdet Choice

The Eve Memory Foam Pillow is a popular model made in the UK, – and it has been around for ages. For those who prefer a firmer, supportive pillow, it’s my top choice here.

I decided to give it a try, and while I can’t say it was the best pillow I’ve ever used, it does certainly have its merits.

One thing I appreciated about the Eve Memory Foam Pillow was its obvious ability to keep my spine aligned throughout the night. As someone who tends to wake up with neck pain, I found this feature to be helpful in preventing discomfort; plus the pillow’s air holes did help to keep me cool throughout the night, which is a major plus for someone who tends to overheat while sleeping.

That being said, I found the pillow to be a bit too thin for my liking (but of course, this is personal preference). While it did provide good support, it wasn’t as comfortable as I had hoped. I also found the pillow’s cover to be a bit scratchy, which made it difficult to get comfortable at times.

Overall, I would say that the Eve Memory Foam Pillow is a decent option for those who prefer a firm-ish, supportive pillow. However, if you’re someone who prefers a softer, more plush pillow, this might not be the best option for you. In testing I noticed that there wasn’t much ‘give’ in the filling, so your head tends to stay where it’s placed, if that makes snese.

Many people have heard of the Eve mattress, but not so many know that Eve Sleep also make pillows… The Eve memory foam pillow is a highly rated pillow. It is especially good for front sleepers owing to the fact that it cradles the head and neck well without being to firm. Like the Simba above, the Eve memory foam pillow has cooling technology so is handy for those who tend to get hot while they sleep.

In terms of price, it’s incredibly cheap (don’t forget the voucher code), and it’s reassuring to know that you can return it if it’s not quite what you expected. As well as mattresses and pillows, Eve also offer beds and linen so you can kit your whole bedroom out if needed. And all their products are made in the UK, too.

3. John Lewis & Partners standard pillow – £10

We all know that John Lewis and Partners are renowned for their quality. Amazingly, this often applies to their budget products as well as their premium ones. You don’t need to spend a fortune, and the price alone is the reason for this being chosen as my number 2.

The synthetic soft touch washable standard pillow is probably the best budget option available for stomach sleepers. It is available in a soft/medium variant which is ideal for those who like to sleep on their front. As well as providing the optimal amount of support for the neck while maintaining correct spinal alignment, this pillow can also be washed at 40 degrees in the washing machine.

The pillow is filled with polyester mini ball clusters, which does make it quite thick when compared to other pillows. However, this also means that it is good at maintaining its shape. The fact that it can be washed means that it is more hygienic than some others out there. The best part about this pillow is the price. For just £10 it is very difficult to find a pillow that offers better value for money for stomach sleepers. It even comes with a 2 year guarantee.

How To: Choose the right pillow for front sleepers

Sleeping on your stomach comes with a whole host of problems if you don’t get your pillow setup right. Front sleepers need support for their spinal alignment just like everyone else. However, they are also faced with the challenge of finding a pillow that can support their head and neck correctly, without being too high or firm.

The pillows above are probably the best available for stomach sleepers. And remember that you don’t necessarily need a premium pillow just because you sleep on your front. The John Lewis and Partners pillow is a great example of how a budget pillow can also provide you with all that you need for a good night’s sleep.

What else do I need to consider?

Honestly, I know it’s easy to get sucked in by fancy marketing and tempting deals. However, it’s important to remember that what really matters is the actual design and function of the pillow, as well as your individual needs. As a stomach sleeper, there are a few key things you should be looking for in a pillow to make sure you’re getting the support and comfort you need for a good night’s sleep:

First off, the “depth” of a pillow is a crucial factor to consider. This is sometimes also called loft and refers to the height of the pillow, which will affect the amount of support it provides. Stomach sleepers generally prefer a low loft pillow, with a height below 10cm, to keep the head and neck at a comfortable angle. However, a medium depth/loft pwillow may also work well for some people, depending on factors like head size (yes, really!) and personal preferences. A pillow that is too deep or not deep enough can lead to neck and shoulder pain, so getting this right is key.

The level of support a pillow provides is another key consideration. Support is determined by factors like loft, firmness, and size, and it affects how well your spine stays aligned during sleep. A good pillow should offer support for your head, neck, and shoulders, helping to reduce tension and prevent aches and pains.

When it comes to firmness, you’ll need to take into account your body weight and sleeping position, as well as your personal preferences. Stomach sleepers usually benefit from a soft to medium firm pillow that keeps their head and neck in a comfortable position. Different materials will have different levels of firmness – for example, down and memory foam pillows are typically soft, while buckwheat and latex pillows are firmer.

Material: The type of material used in the pillow can affect its support, loft, and firmness, of course: and just like mattresses, common pillow materials include memory foam, latex, down, down alternative, and buckwheat. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks, so consider what you value most in a pillow.

Breathability: Pillows that retain heat can make you feel uncomfortable and sweaty, which can lead to poor sleep quality. Look for pillows made with breathable materials or with cooling features to keep you comfortable throughout the night.

Finally, pressure relief is an important factor to consider. A pillow that cradles your head and neck can help to alleviate pressure and reduce discomfort. Materials like memory foam and latex are particularly good at providing this kind of pressure relief by conforming to the shape of your head and neck. Ultimately, finding the right pillow for stomach sleeping will involve considering all of these factors and finding a pillow that suits your specific needs.

What materials should I look for?

As a side-sleeper, choosing the right pillow material is essential to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep. There are a variety of materials available, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular materials for side-sleepers:

• Latex pillows are made from natural rubber trees and are highly durable and breathable. In my opinion, they are ideal for stomach sleepers as they offer excellent support, but some may find them too thick or heavy. Latex pillows are known to moderately contour to the shape of the head, neck, and shoulders, helping to relieve pressure.
• Down pillows are made from the soft under-feathers of ducks or geese, and are softer than regular feathers. They are highly malleable and can be shaped as needed. The loft of a down pillow can also be adjusted by adding or removing fill. The cradling effect of down supports the head and neck, making it an excellent option for stomach sleepers. However, they compress easily and require frequent fluffing to maintain their shape, and there are also some concerns about cruelty.
• Down alternative pillows mimic the feel of down but are made with cotton or polyester fill, making them ideal for those who are allergic to down or prefer non-animal sourced bedding. They have a fluffy feel and provide strong contouring and plushness, which is perfect for stomach sleepers.
• Polyfoam, also known as polyurethane foam, is an affordable pillow filler option. It can offer some pressure relief and moderate contouring, but it is not as breathable as other materials. Low-density foam is typically less durable and may sag over time. Nonetheless, polyfoam is a good option for budget-conscious stomach sleepers.

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What about if I sleep with my arm under the pillow?

If you sleep with your arm under the pillow, it’s really quite key to choose a pillow that is not too thick or firm. I can’t stress that enough.

A pillow with a low to medium depth/loft can help prevent pressure on the arm and shoulder, which can lead to discomfort and pain, and you won’t get that numb hand feeling either.

Additionally, a pillow with a softer fill will usually provide the necessary support without causing pressure points on the arm to build up. Materials like down and down alternative are often a good option for those who sleep with their arm under the pillow, as they are malleable and can be shaped to accommodate the arm. Alternatively, shredded memory foam can also be a good choice, as it can conform to the shape of the arm and provide the necessary support without creating pressure points.

Whatever material you choose, make sure the pillow is comfortable and doesn’t cause any discomfort in your arm or shoulder via one of the pillow’s free sleep trials. All of the pillows above include a risk-free sleep trial meaning you can send it back for a refund if not happy.

Conclusion

So that about ends the review of the best pillows for front sleepers.

Taking the crown as the Best Overall pillow for stomach sleepers is the Simba Hybrid pillow. This renowned model not only offers exceptional support but also possesses the remarkable ability to keep you cool during those, err, hot nights. With its innovative nanocube technology and thoughtful design, you can customise the pillow to achieve the ideal balance of comfort and support.

For those who prefer a firmer feel, the Eve Memory Foam Pillow reigns supreme as my Best Budget Choice. This time-tested classic delivers superb spinal alignment and impressive airflow, thanks to its cleverly placed air holes. While it may lack the plushness of some alternatives, its unwavering support ensures a rejuvenating slumber.

Let’s not forget the John Lewis & Partners Standard Pillow, our top pick for those seeking budget-friendly bliss. This synthetic soft touch wonder not only provides optimal neck support and spinal alignment but also boasts the convenience of being machine washable. And with its unbeatable price and 2-year guarantee, it’s a choice that won’t break the bank.

Remember stomach sleepers, finding the right pillow is a crucial step towards unlocking the better qualty sleep you deserve. Embrace the importance of depth, support, material, and breathability when making your selection. And don’t forget, even the most luxurious pillows have an expiration date, so keep an eye out for signs of wear and tear.

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