Expert guide for stomach sleepers: All the different types of stomach sleeper pillows & what you should consider when choosing, so that you sleep healthier.
Nothing is worse than fighting with the pillow at night. You are tired, exhausted and toss your face in your head pillow for hours in order to get into the correct position.
Why do I share the word?
This is how you can see that there are two culprits in this fight:
- Your head &
- The pillow.
Since you are looking for belly sleeper pillows, you have already recognized the problem and want a solution. You are on the right track.
Treat yourself to a pillow that suits your sleeping habits. I’ll show you the most popular models, test winners as well as recommendations and reveal how you can sleep more peacefully in the near future.
Before I explain everything there is to know about belly sleeper pillows, here are some interesting facts about belly sleepers:
Index
Did you know that?
- … only 13–15% of all people are stomach sleepers?
- … stomach sleepers often suffer from tension and back pain without knowing that it is because of their sleeping position ?
- … sleeping on your stomach is the most unhealthy sleeping position?
Why is sleeping in bulk so unhealthy?
When you sleep on your stomach, your body weight presses on the lungs, making it difficult for you to breathe and restricting blood flow to your organs in the abdomen.
While lying on your stomach, you rotate your head unnaturally to one side to breathe. This creates tension in the cervical spine and neck.
Doctors advise against this sleeping position, because the fact that the stomach sleeper position is unhealthy has meanwhile also been medically confirmed. But can you “consciously choose the right one”? I can not.
However, there are sleep strategies that you can learn. Follow the instructions of a sleep guru. * Or follow the guidelines below .
Advantages & disadvantages of stomach sleeper pillows
With a stomach sleeper pillow you can prevent unsightly pain and help yourself to a healthier sleep.
Before I introduce you to selected test winners, here is a brief overview of the advantages and disadvantages.
Benefits:
- Improved breathing & air circulation
- Relief of the internal organs
- Relaxation of the body and muscles
- Prevention against snoring
Disadvantage:
- Quality & comfort costs!
- Inconvenient first use
- Possible tension
So if you are ready to invest a euro more and prepare for a period of acclimatization, then a stomach sleeper pillow brings many advantages.
Belly sleeper pillow: an overview of all test winners
For this overview I have put together my three top recommendations.
Whether flat, star-shaped or as orthopedic aid – all three are among the test winners among the stomach sleeper pillows and have top ratings.
The cushions all impress with:
- A good value for money
- Manufactured from pollutant-free textiles
- Convincing quality
The decision is entirely yours. I like all three models because they represent the variety of modern sleeping aids and meet all important needs.
What to consider before buying
Belly sleeper pillows are unique due to their ergonomic shape, which are adapted to the needs of a stomach sleeper.
In contrast to conventional pillows, it is either very flat or has an unusual star or butterfly shape.
Each pillow of this type is available in different sizes. However, the 80 x 80 cm pillow is one of the most common sizes.
The pillow should not be too high so that your cervical spine is not overstretched backwards, a hollow back is created and the load possibly extends to the lumbar vertebra.
Tip: Pay special attention to the height of the pillow before buying, as the wrong height can lead to back problems.
The right pillow shape for those who sleep on their stomach
The stomach sleeper pillow is available in three pillow shapes:
- Flat pillows
- Star & butterfly pillows
- Water pillow
I am describing the three pillow shapes below so that you can decide which one suits your needs.
Flat pillows
Thanks to the particularly thin filling inside the pillow, you can protect your neck muscles and do not run the risk of overstretching your neck.
Flat stomach sleeper pillows are approximately 4–6 cm high.
Despite the small fillings, flat pillows adapt perfectly to the shape of your head and are pleasantly soft.
Often they consist of viscoelastic foam or simple polyester fillings, e.g. microbeads, like the following bargain from Dream Night.
Star or butterfly pillows
This original shape not only gives you thoughts of a starry night sky , but also plenty of space.
The recesses on all sides allow you to slide your arms under the pillow and thus relieve your neck and neck muscles.
- In addition, the narrow width and the side recess contribute to improved breathing.
- There is no unnecessary rotation of your head, so you create free airways for your mouth and nose.
This type of pillow shape offers you a very high level of comfort – but it usually comes with a higher price.
Nevertheless, I have found a cheap alternative for you:
Water pillow
Do you fancy night surfing? Orthopedic head and neck support pillows with a water filling make this fun possible.
The water filling adapts to every body contour and allows you to regulate the height of the pillow yourself. The less water, the lower the pillow.
So that you don’t have to lie with your ear on the hard plastic pad, almost all water pillows have a fluffy additional filling that surrounds the water core. Testing is worth it!
The right filling for your stomach sleeper pillow
As with almost all things in life, it’s the inner values that count. The quality of your pillow depends on the quality of the filling used.
- Also think about your head, because too much filling increases the head position and your neck muscles are overstretched.
- There is actually not too little filling for stomach sleepers. Sometimes pillow-free sleep is actually the better alternative here.
If you can’t do without it, you should consider your own favorite filling before buying.
I will briefly introduce you to what this could be:
Down, feathers, natural fibers or visco-elastic foam?
A breathable filling is particularly important for you, because if you sleep on your stomach, you breathe and moisten the pillow permanently – even if unintentionally.
To absorb the moist air, you should prefer a pillow filling that is resistant and washable, but above all dries quickly.
Attention! Try to avoid down or natural fiber pillows.
These materials provide an excellent breeding ground for disgusting mites . In combination with the warm air you breathe, the growth of house mites is strongly encouraged: a nighttime danger to your health.
Just in case, I recommend a visco-elastic foam (also known as memory foam ) or the so-called Tempur .
Often these fillings also contain integrated rods and channels to improve air circulation. However, they also come at a price.
If you are in the mood for something “new”, I recommend stomach sleeper pillows made from orthopedic gel foam.
Constantly crumpling or shaking the pillow during the night is no longer necessary with this filling! Pain, snoring, and insomnia can also be relieved.
Attention: The price is also unbeatable!
Lumberjack pillows in the low price segment often consist of synthetic fiber fillings such as microbeads. All varieties are ideal for allergy sufferers and ward off unloved house mites.
The right pillow for your sleeping position
Whether a pillow can properly support the neck and back depends on your personal sleeping habits:
- Sleeping position: people who sleep on their sides need a higher pillow than those who sleep on their backs – otherwise the head will sag to the side and put a strain on the neck.
- Body shape: The shape of the spine or the position of the shoulders is usually different – a suitable pillow should take this into account.
- Complaints: If you suffer from tension or other complaints (allergies, snoring), you may need a special pillow.
The right pillow is one of the most important aids for healthy sleep – it supports the head and keeps the spine in balance.
If you are looking for expert buying advice on the subject, I recommend reading this article on pillows .
Promote your sleep health
Have you ever wondered how you actually end up on your stomach?
You subconsciously assume this position while you sleep to relieve the strain on your intervertebral disc and support the natural curvature of your spine (if you have problems with your lumbar spine).
Belly sleepers love to sleep flat, so you should prefer a hard mattress , because if the mattress is too soft, the pelvis will sink and you will fall into a hollow back.
Alternatively, you can also use a matching mattress topper . Simply place it on your previous mattress.
Choosing the right mattress is also a science in itself. In the mattresses section you will find tips and support for buying a mattress.
The prone sleeping position can also indicate a drinking problem . People who drink a lot of alcohol are believed to often dig deep into the pillow with their face.
As a beauty-conscious woman, you should definitely try – consciously – to try out some other sleeping positions. Why? When the breasts are pressed into the mattress, unsightly creases can appear on the neckline (cleavage).
Note: Whether on your stomach, side or back: change positions several times a night!
Forget tricks like counting sheep! If you have trouble falling asleep , I have a small but great tip for you.
Insider tip: Position your pillow under your neck (not too high!) So that your head falls backwards gently and gently. Open your mouth a little and breathe deeply in and out. I promise you – you will fall asleep in 10 seconds!
Conclusion
Belly sleepers are true rarities. If you like to sleep on your stomach, you love it flat, with your arms close to your body or tucked under your head.
However, sleeping on your stomach is one of the most unhealthy sleeping positions there is.
- Your body weight presses on your lungs and affects your breathing.
- It can also cause pain in the back and neck.
Belly sleeper pillows have an ergonomic shape that is either flat or star-shaped.
Try not to use down or natural fiber pillows, as these materials encourage the growth of house mites.
Alternatively, you can choose between four different fillings, which are also suitable for allergy sufferers:
- Tempur or foam
- Gel foam
- water
- Art & microfiber
The right stomach sleeper pillow can prevent pain and ensure a restful, healthy and peaceful sleep.
I created Sleep Knowledge to share my interests and experiences on healthy sleeping with others. On this page I am therefore dealing with interesting questions about the optimal night’s sleep & everything else that goes with it.