However, stomach sleepers can put too much pressure on their necks and shoulders. The hips and abdomen can press more deeply into the mattress than the stomach. This can cause the spine to become out of alignment. Experts discourage stomach sleeping.
To promote better sleep, it is important to understand the limitations of stomach sleeping. For stomach sleepers, ergonomic support is essential. The spine can be supported by a firm mattress and a pillow with a low loft. You can also use a pillow under your hips. Stomach sleepers might want to avoid turning their heads to one side.
Let’s take a look at each one of these factors and show you how the right pillow can be used to support stomach sleepers.
How To Choose A Pillow For Stomach Sleepers
To ensure full-body support and spinal alignment, stomach sleepers need to be aware of many factors. It is important to understand the key elements of buying a pillow. These factors include the pillow loft, size and shape as well as moldability. All of these factors affect the angle of the neck and head.
Each person is different, and each sleeper has their own preferences. However, there are some common problems stomach sleepers have to deal with. There are many pillow materials that are superior to others. Additional measures might be necessary.
How To Choose A Stomach Pillow
It is easy to get distracted by sales, discounts and claims about the benefits of a pillow when shopping for one. It is important to focus on the essentials of a pillow and your own needs in order to make sure that your purchase is worthwhile. These are the most important things to look at when buying a pillow. These factors determine how supportive and comfortable the pillow is, as well how it performs in other areas.
LoftThe height of a pillow is called its loft. This is important for stomach sleepers as it affects how much support the pillow offers. Pillows come in a variety of loft levels. You can adjust loft by adding or removing fill. For stomach sleepers, a low-loft pillow (or one that is less than 8 cm high) is preferred. Medium loft pillows (3 to 13 cm) may also be suitable for stomach sleepers. However, this will depend on your head size and personal preferences. The pillow’s loft should support the head, neck and spine while keeping them at an appropriate angle. Too high or too low a pillow can cause neck and shoulder strain.
Support
The support determines whether the spine is aligned. There are many factors that influence the level of support a pillow provides, such as its size, firmness, loft, and weight. Proper support is essential for the head, neck, shoulders, and back. By reducing tension in the neck, shoulders and head, this helps to prevent stomach pains.
Firmness Level
Pillows come in a variety of softness levels, from firm to medium. The best firmness level will depend on your sleeping position, weight, and personal preferences. A medium to soft pillow may be beneficial for stomach sleepers, provided that the pillow is at an angle that allows the head and neck to rest comfortably. Pillow firmness can be affected by the materials used.
Memory foam, down, and alternative to down pillows are soft. Buckwheat and latex pillows, on the other hand, tend to be firmer.
Pressure Relief A pillow that supports the neck and head can relieve pressure. A pillow that relieves pressure from the neck and spine can be beneficial for stomach sleepers. An ergonomic support helps align the head, neck and spine. Latex and memory foam are excellent at relieving pressure by conforming to the shape and contours of the head, neck, and shoulders.
Shape
The shape of pillows is usually square or rectangular. However, the materials used and the construction of the pillow will determine how well it retains its shape. Pillows made from down or down alternative can easily compress and lose their shape over the night. This means that you will need to fluff it for support and comfort. Latex will retain its shape better throughout the night and provide consistent support for stomach sleepers. Memory foam can be compressed easily to create a personalized feel. However, it returns to its original form when pressure is removed.
Price
Prices for pillows vary depending on the material and construction. Pillows come in a variety of prices, with low-cost pillows being more expensive than luxury options. It is important to establish a budget before shopping because of the wide range of prices. High-quality materials will cost more upfront but require less frequent replacements.
Quality Materials
A pillow’s lifespan is determined by the quality of its materials. A pillow should be able to provide support for at least three years. As pillows of lower quality are more susceptible to losing their shape and unable to provide sufficient support, they will need to be changed more frequently. Polyester and low-density foam pillows may not last as long as down and latex pillows.
Moldability
Moldability is the ability of a pillow to be shaped by its users as required. This allows for a personalized shape that provides support and comfort. To ensure that the neck and head are supported properly, stomach sleepers might need to adjust their pillows during the night. A moldable pillow may be a good option.
What Are The Best Pillow Materials For Stomach Sleepers
There are many options for pillows, but we believe that memory foam, down-alternative and latex pillows work best for stomach sleepers. There are also buckwheat and feather pillows, as well as polyfoam. Each type of pillow has its pros and cons, which we will discuss further.
Memory Foam Memory Foam Memory foam responds to heat, pressure and molds to the neck and head. A memory foam pillow is a good choice for stomach sleepers as it can reduce tension and promote spinal alignment. While some memory foam pillows use a core of solid memory foam, others have adjustable lofts that are made from shredded memory foam. Some memory foam pillows can off-gas, so stomach sleepers who are sensitive or allergic to odors might want to look at other options.
Buckwheat
The hulls from buckwheat seed are used to fill buckwheat pillows. The hulls are open in shape, which promotes airflow and regulates temperature. Buckwheat can be used as a pillow-fill because it is malleable. Buckwheat molds to the neck and head to relieve pressure and provide support. Buckwheat pillows are adjustable in loft by adding or taking out hulls. However, stomach sleepers might still find them too firm. When the pillow is moved, the hulls make a creaking sound.
Feather
Feather pillows are made with feathers from ducks and geese. The feathers are easy to compress and mold to the shape of your head. Feather pillows can be soft and lightweight which is a benefit for stomach sleepers. However, feathers’ insulating properties can lead to heat retention. Feather pillows are not as stable and need to be fluffed. You can adjust the loft of feather pillows by adding or subtracting feathers.
Natural latex is extracted from rubber trees.
Latex is highly supportive for stomach sleepers and is durable and breathable. Latex pillows are designed to contour to the shape and position of the head, neck, shoulders, and back to alleviate pressure. Latex pillows may be too dense, dense, or heavy for stomach sleepers.
DownDown refers to the soft under-feathers that ducks and geese have. Down fill is softer than feathers. Because it is malleable, stomach sleepers can shape the pillow to their liking. You can adjust the loft of some down pillows by adding or taking out fill. The neck and head are supported by the cradling effect that down provides. Although down pillows can be used for stomach sleepers, they are soft enough to support the head and neck. However, they need to be fluffed as they compress quickly.
Polyfoam
Pillow fills made from polyfoam (or polyurethane foam) are often affordable. Polyfoam is a good option for pressure relief and contouring but it’s not as breathable. Low-density foam can shrink over time and is less durable.
What Size Pillows Are Available?
The pillow’s size determines how much surface area a person can use to support their head, neck and shoulders. This affects the level of support that the pillow offers. There are five standard sizes of pillows:
- Standard, 51cm x 66cm: This size is the most commonly used, and all pillowcases can accommodate it. Standard pillows are suitable for most sleepers, including those with narrow shoulders or who sleep in the same position all night. It may feel too small for some. A larger pillow may be more beneficial for those who have wider shoulders or change their sleeping position frequently.
- Super Standard, 51cm x 71cm: Although not as common, a super standard pillow gives sleepers two inches more space. It is more comfortable for those who sleep in different positions throughout the night.
Some sleepers may find it too narrow.
Additional Tips For Stomach Sleepers
The choice of pillow is very important for stomach sleepers. However, these tips will help them to stay comfortable all night.
- Select the right mattress: A firm support mattress is best for stomach sleepers. Stomach sleepers push their abdomens and hips into the mattress. Too soft a mattress can cause the spine to sink and place pressure. Consistent support from the mattress is important to prevent spinal misalignment. It also reduces stomach pains.
- A pillow under your pelvis is a good idea. This will lift the abdomen and hips, and lower the pressure on the spine.
- Keep your head straight and not turned: Stomach-sleepers who tilt their heads towards one side place stress on the neck/spine. The head should be straight down to maintain a healthy spine and decrease pressure on the neck, shoulders and neck.
Pillows can be used to support the head and neck of sleepers. Pillows made of breathable materials should be chosen by stomach sleepers.
Common Questions About Pillows For Stomach Sleepers
How Common Is Stomach Sleep?
Stomach sleeping is the least popular sleeping position. Only 7 percent of people choose to sleep there. Medical professionals discourage stomach sleeping due to its potential drawbacks like neck and back pain. However, some people still prefer this position to sleep.
What Are The Top Considerations When Selecting A Pillow For Stomach Sleepers
When choosing a pillow, the most important thing for stomach sleepers is its loft. The pillow’s loft determines how high the pillow is. It also impacts the amount of support that the pillow offers.
Pillow loft should not be considered alone. It is also important to consider the firmness, size, and fill of the pillow. Every shopper has unique preferences and needs that should be considered.
What Is The Worst Type Of Pillow For Stomach Sleepers, And Why?
Each pillow type has its benefits and drawbacks. Stomach sleepers should avoid pillows with high loft or steep sleep indentures. This pillow is not recommended for stomach sleepers. It props up the head and places too much pressure on the neck. Pillows that are too firm or lack support for stomach sleepers should be avoided. Breathable materials are also important.
Where Can I Buy A Stomach Pillow?
Pillows for stomach sleepers can be purchased online or in-store. Many mattress companies offer pillows as part of their product lines. These pillows are often made from the same materials as their mattresses. You can compare models online and many companies offer sleep trials so that customers can test the pillows at home. If you want to feel and touch the pillow before buying, then you might want to visit a brick-and mortar location.
