Stomach sleeper pillow | Mister Sandman

What advantages do stomach sleeper pillows have?

Do I need a stomach sleeper pillow?

To sleep well, one needs a pillow that fits well with their own sleep habits and preferences. People differ in their sleep habits. Some sleep best on their stomach, others well on their back. Still others sleep best when lying on their side. For all these people, there are products in the form of pillows and mattresses that are supposed to help people achieve a restful sleep:

Pillows as side sleeper pillows for side sleepers
Pillows as back sleeper pillows for back sleepers
Pillows as stomach sleeper pillows for stomach sleepers
Pillows and head pillows in the form of neck support pillows for people with complaints in the back and cervical spine

Unsuitable bedding leads to incorrect strain

Using unsuitable pillows, sleeping pillows, and mattresses can lead to incorrect strain on the body during sleep, which can bring about several problems:

Incorrect pillows and head pillows cause neck pain
Incorrect pillows and head pillows can obstruct breathing
Incorrect pillows and head pillows can cause back problems
Incorrect pillows and head pillows can strain the cervical spine
Incorrect pillows and head pillows can cause headaches
Incorrect pillows and head pillows can lead to tension throughout the body

How do you choose the right pillow and mattress?

To avoid incorrect strain during sleep, it is important to use the right pillow and mattress for the own sleeping position to lie optimally. The right mattress and pillow prevent neck pain and other complaints. When choosing a pillow and head pillow, personal needs should be the priority. Depending on the sleeping position (stomach sleeper, back sleeper, side sleeper), different body areas are strained. By using suitable pillows, head pillows, and mattresses, these body areas are relieved.

Mister Sandman mattresses for stomach sleepers

Mister Sandman mattress models are suitable for stomach sleepers. Which model - Liara, Serena or Anea - is exactly the right one can be found out with the Mister Sandman mattress finder. To be completely sure, you can test your new mattress for 30 days. The trial sleep allows you to make a good assessment of whether our mattress model was the right choice. Another advantage is that the shipping is free. This way, you can comfortably test one of our certified and produced in Germany mattresses.

Stomach sleepers without a stomach sleeper pillow sleep poorly

Some sleeping positions can be more burdensome for the body than others. Complaints can particularly arise from sleeping on the stomach (stomach sleepers), especially when using pillows, head pillows, and mattresses that are not well suited for the needs of stomach sleepers:

Stomach sleepers without a stomach sleeper pillow and suitable mattress may breathe poorly (snoring)
Stomach sleepers without a stomach sleeper pillow and suitable mattress can develop complaints in the neck and back
Stomach sleepers without a stomach sleeper pillow and suitable mattress can develop discomfort in the cervical spine

Many stomach sleepers who sleep without a pillow specifically tailored to their needs often completely forgo a pillow or head pillow. If a stomach sleeper has used an unsuitable pillow or head pillow for an extended period, they may suffer from neck pain over time. In such a case, simply omitting the pillow or head pillow sometimes seems like the best solution for the stomach sleeper. Some stomach sleepers also often use their arms or hands instead of pillows or head pillows to support their head well while sleeping. For stomach sleepers without a stomach sleeper pillow, this habit can lead to circulation disorders and, as a consequence, a feeling of numbness in the arms. It goes without saying that such a solution is not good for stomach sleepers.

Advantages of stomach sleeper pillows

For stomach sleepers, a pillow, the stomach sleeper pillow, that is tailored to their needs is optimal:

Pillows as stomach sleeper pillows relieve the back and neck
Pillows as stomach sleeper pillows relieve the cervical spine
Pillows as stomach sleeper pillows can facilitate breathing and thus help prevent snoring
Pillows as stomach sleeper pillows prevent stomach sleepers from using their arms and hands as pillow substitutes
Pillows as stomach sleeper pillows offer the stomach sleeper an ideal combination of comfort and body support

Which pillow is well suited as a stomach sleeper pillow?

A pillow specifically tailored to the needs of stomach sleepers, or stomach sleeper pillow, has properties that can help the stomach sleeper achieve a healthy and restful sleep. As with other pillows and cushions (side sleeper pillows, neck support pillows, back sleeper pillows), there is a large selection of stomach sleeper pillows:

Pillows as stomach sleeper pillows made of foam
Pillows as stomach sleeper pillows with water core (water pillow)
Pillows as stomach sleeper pillows with polyester filling
Pillows as stomach sleeper pillows with down
Pillows as stomach sleeper pillows in butterfly shape

Purchase of stomach sleeper pillows

When buying a stomach sleeper pillow, there are a few things to consider. Height, filling, and size have the greatest impact on the properties of the pillow:

Pay attention to the pillow filling of stomach sleeper pillows
Pay attention to the pillow height of stomach sleeper pillows
Pay attention to the pillow size of stomach sleeper pillows

Filling of stomach sleeper pillows

The type of filling in stomach sleeper pillows, like in other pillows and head pillows, significantly determines the properties of the stomach sleeper pillow:

The filling of stomach sleeper pillows affects the sleeping climate
The filling of stomach sleeper pillows affects the lying sensation

Personal preferences should be a priority

When buying stomach sleeper pillows, personal needs and preferences should be the focus, which can vary greatly. Personal preferences regarding sleeping feel and sleep climate should be taken into account when choosing stomach sleeper pillows. The height and size of stomach sleeper pillows is particularly important and should also be tailored to individual needs. Mister Sandman recommends the appropriate mattress for you. Our mattress finder quickly and competently finds the right model for you. Stomach sleepers should generally prefer flatter pillows to avoid overstretching in the neck and cervical spine area. Stomach sleeper pillows are available for purchase in different sizes:

Pillows as stomach sleeper pillows 80x80
Pillows as stomach sleeper pillows 40x80

Classic sizes of head pillows

Many guides advise stomach sleepers against the classic pillow size of 80x80 for pillows and sleep pillows. Guides recommend smaller pillows and sleep pillows for stomach sleepers, as stomach sleepers can sleep better on smaller pillows and head pillows.

Butterfly-shaped stomach sleeper pillows

Stomach sleeper pillows vary not only in height and size but can also have a different shape than classic square or rectangular pillows and sleep pillows. A pillow specifically designed for stomach sleepers and very suitable for them is a butterfly-shaped pillow – the butterfly pillow. Butterfly-shaped pillows are supposed to make breathing while sleeping easier for a stomach sleeper and provide comfortable support for the arms.

Stomach Sleeper Pillows in Test

In search of a stomach sleeper pillow, many people refer to various test results from different guides.

Stomach Sleeper Pillow Test: Price Comparison
Stomach Sleeper Pillow Test: Pillow Material
Stomach Sleeper Pillow Test: Pillow Filling
Stomach Sleeper Pillow Test: Customer Satisfaction

Stomach Sleeper Pillows in Test

The test categories in these stomach sleeper pillow tests are often not particularly meaningful when it comes to the question of whether the stomach sleeper pillow fits individually. One or another test, such as from Stiftung Warentest, can provide a rough guideline. Ultimately, one should rely on their own personal practical test. For stomach sleeper pillows and side sleeper pillows, as well as all other sleep pillows including covers, the products and bedding should be tested for harmful substances (Oeko-Test). If you are allergic, you should pay special attention to the allergy-friendliness of the bedding (including mattresses and mattress covers). For allergy sufferers (house dust allergy sufferers), down pillows are generally rather unsuitable, and latex allergy sufferers should avoid latex pillows. It is always indicated on the sleep pillows whether they are suitable for allergy sufferers. Allergy sufferers should also pay attention to the suitability of the pillow cover for allergy sufferers. The cover should be removable and washable in any case.

How do I find the right mattress for a stomach sleeper pillow?

To sleep well, not only the right choice of sleep pillow and stomach sleeper pillow is important, but also the choice of the right mattresses. In principle, mattresses should match the sleep pillows as well as the stomach sleeper pillow. Because only combinations of the right products, consisting of suitable mattresses and matching sleep pillows, lead to the desired result. The Mister Sandman mattress finder helps in finding the suitable mattress. Mister Sandman mattresses not only meet your preferences but also have a very good price-performance ratio. In addition, Mister Sandman offers a 10-year warranty on its products.

This is how stomach sleepers lie correctly

As with a side sleeper and a back sleeper, it is important that the spine of the stomach sleeper is brought into a correct position by the mattress and sleep pillow. The spine should not bend as much as possible, and the cervical spine should not be twisted as much as possible. With an unsuitable mattress, an ergonomically correct positioning of the spine is not given:

If the mattresses are too hard, the spine is bent, leading to neck pain and back discomfort
If the mattresses are too soft, a hollow back occurs in stomach sleepers

Firmness for stomach sleepers

For stomach sleepers, it mainly depends on the firmness of the mattress and a favorable zone distribution of the mattress.

Matratzen gibt es in verschiedenen Matratzen-Härtegraden: von weich bis sehr fest
Matratzen können einen variablen Matratzen-Härtegrad haben (Wende-Matratzen)
Matratzen können über eine Aufteilung in verschiedene Matratzen-Zonen verfügen

Wie den Härtegrad wählen?

Die Wahl des Härtegrads der Matratzen sollte aber auch individuell passen, je nachdem welches Liegegefühl man auf seiner Matratze bevorzugt. Damit die Matratze zu dem Bauchschläferkissen passt, sollte man die Höhe des Kissens, dem Härtegrad der Matratzen und den Matratzen-Zonen anpassen:

Je härter die Matratzen, umso höher sollte das Bauchschläferkissen auf der Matratze sein
Je weicher die Matratzen, umso flacher sollten die Bauchschläferkissen auf der Matratze sein
Die Kissen-Höhe sollte je nach einsinktiefe der Schultern in die Matratze gewählt werden
Matratzen für Bauchschläfer sollten so konzipiert sein, dass die Wirbelsäule durch die Matratze in eine grade Haltung gebracht wird

Bauchschläfer sollten nicht zu flach liegen

Ist die Matratze zu hart und das Kissen zu flach, knickt die Halswirbelsäule nach hinten ab. Dass kann zu Nackenschmerzen führen. Ist die Matratze zu weich und das Kissen zu hoch, kommt es zu einer Überstreckung im Nacken. Nackenschmerzen und Verspannungen sind die Folge.

Which mattresses are suitable for stomach sleepers?

Mattresses for stomach sleepers should accommodate the sleeping position on the stomach.

Mattresses for people who sleep on their stomach should be point-elastic.
Mattresses for people who sleep on their stomach should have a high resilience.
Mattresses for sleeping in stomach position should have a reinforced zone in the pelvic area

Mattress material for stomach sleepers

Mattresses suitable for lying in stomach position are offered as the following types of mattresses:

Mattresses made of high-quality cold foam
Mattresses made of latex
Pocket spring mattresses
Pocket spring mattresses

For a foam mattress or a mattress with different layers, it should be ensured that the top foam layer of the mattress is no thicker than 3 cm. If the top mattress layer is too thick, there is a possibility of sinking too deeply into the mattress. Since a stable, straight lying position in stomach position should be ensured by the mattress, a too soft top mattress layer would be counterproductive.

From stomach sleeper to side sleeper?

Many guides rate sleeping on the stomach as the unhealthiest sleeping position overall. Therefore, guides often recommend adapting to a different sleeping position. Sleeping on your side is considered particularly healthy for the body by most. Is it therefore sensible to develop into a side sleeper? And which products are suitable as side sleeper pillows?

In a side sleeper, breathing during sleep is not obstructed
Side sleepers lie in a position that relieves the back significantly
Side sleepers have fewer difficulties with heartburn
Side sleepers snore very little

Even though sleeping on your side is good for the body, this sleeping position is also very demanding. Because in this case, an unsuitable mattress and an unsuitable pillow can lead to tension and other complaints. There is also a remedy here in the form of side sleeper pillows and mattresses.

Side sleeper pillows instead of stomach sleeper pillows?

Side sleeper pillows differ in many essential points from stomach sleeper pillows, such as in shape:

Side sleeper pillows often have a straight shape
Side sleeper pillows can have a wavy shape
Side sleeper pillows are available in C-shape
Side sleeper pillows are available in the shape of the number 7
Side sleeper pillows are available in U-shape

Side sleeper pillow dimensions as a difference

Side sleeper pillows usually have completely different dimensions than stomach sleeper pillows:

Side sleeper pillows as sleeping pillows can be up to 200 cm long
Pillows as side sleeper pillows are usually 20-40cm wide
Pillows as side sleeper pillows are between 120-200cm long

The most popular dimensions for side sleeper pillows

Side sleeper pillows are available in various sizes. The most popular dimensions are:

Side sleeper pillow 120x40
Side sleeper pillow 140x40
Side sleeper pillow 145x40

Proper lying with a side sleeper pillow

To relieve the body in a side position, a side sleeper pillow is usually clutched with the legs by the sleepers. For this, the side sleeper pillow must be at least 25cm wide. Depending on the type of side sleeper pillow and its length, the side sleeper pillow can also be slid under the head.

Material and dimensions for a side sleeper pillow cover

Some side sleeper pillows are offered without a cover. A pillow cover for a side sleeper pillow can be purchased separately in various designs. A cover for a side sleeper pillow can also be relatively easy to make yourself, provided the side sleeper pillow is straight.

A pillow as a side sleeper pillow is sometimes offered without a pillow cover
Typically, pillows are offered as side sleeper pillows with a pillow cover (120x40, 140x40, 120x40, 200x40)
If you make your own pillow cover (200x40, 145x40, 140x40, 120x40) for a side sleeper pillow, you should choose a high-quality material for the side sleeper pillow cover

Sizes for side sleeper pillow covers

The most popular sizes for a pillow cover for a side sleeper pillow are:

Side sleeper pillow cover 200x40
Side sleeper pillow cover 145x40
Side sleeper pillow cover 140x40
Side sleeper pillow cover 120x40

Pillow covers should be of high quality

Regardless of whether one needs a cover for a stomach sleeper pillow or a side sleeper pillow, the cover should always be of high quality:

A side sleeper pillow cover should be tested for harmful substances (Oeko-Test, Stiftung Warentest)
A side sleeper pillow cover should be made of breathable material
A side sleeper pillow cover should be removable and washable
A side sleeper pillow cover should be durable

Are there stomach sleeper pillows for neck pain?

Stomach sleeper pillows and side sleeper pillows are pillows or sleeping pillows that are specifically designed for the needs and sleeping habits of people who sleep on their side or stomach. If appropriate sleeping pillows or head pillows and mattresses are used in these sleeping positions, there should be no neck pain caused by the side sleeper pillow, stomach sleeper pillow, and the mattress. It is different if one already suffers from chronic neck pain that was not triggered by the use of unsuitable head pillows and sleeping pillows.

Orthopedic neck pillows for neck pain

An orthopedic or ergonomic neck pillow or an orthopedic or ergonomic neck support pillow is very well suited as a pillow for neck pain. Not all neck pillows or neck support pillows are equally suitable for stomach sleepers, back sleepers, and side sleepers. Back sleepers can choose from a very large selection of neck pillows or neck support pillows:

orthopedic neck pillows or neck support pillows
Neck pillows as neck rolls
Neck support pillows as neck rolls

Neck pillows for side sleepers

Many neck pillows and neck support pillows are also suitable as side sleeper pillows. It looks different for people who sleep on their stomach. Special neck pillows or neck support pillows, as known for back sleepers, do not exist as stomach sleeper pillows. A pillow that is equally suitable for all sleeping positions and has been proven to relieve neck pain is the water pillow.

Water pillows as stomach sleeper pillows

Water pillows are not familiar to many people. A water pillow is a pillow that is filled with water and provided with a suitable pillow cover:

A water pillow does not have a special ergonomic shape like many neck pillows and neck support pillows.
A water pillow is shaped like a normal sleeping pillow or head pillow.
A water pillow has a core made of water.
the firmness of the water pillow is individually adjustable

Who are water pillows suitable for?

Water pillows are equally suitable as side sleeper pillows and stomach sleeper pillows, because:

the height of the pillow filling can be adjusted individually
the water adapts individually to neck and head

A test from an American university also shows that water pillows are particularly well suited as neck pillows.

the use of water pillows in the test reduced the neck pain of the test subjects
the sleep quality of the test subjects was significantly improved in the test
a neck roll and a conventional pillow performed significantly worse in the test according to the test subjects

Questions for the test subjects in the pillow test

What questions were asked in the test? And how meaningful are the answers to the questions asked?

How long do the test subjects take to fall asleep during the test?
How well do the test subjects sleep through during the test phase?
How do the test subjects rate their sleep during the test phase?
How is the overall sleep quality evaluated during the test period with water pillows?

The test result

Unlike test results that only refer to specific pillow features, this test shows that water pillows can be effectively used against neck pain and accompanying headaches. Other pillows seem to be less suitable in this regard, according to the test result. However, a test never replaces personal experience. If you want to acquire a specific sleeping pillow as a side sleeper pillow or stomach sleeper pillow, it is essential to subject the side sleeper pillow or stomach sleeper pillow to a personal practical test. Because only the test result that you have determined in the test itself is a meaningful test result.

Which neck support pillows are good?

The Stiftung Warentest has examined neck support pillows in a recent test:

The test shows that only 4 out of 20 neck support pillows are good
The test shows that only 3 out of 20 neck support pillows are suitable for all sleeping positions
The test shows that good neck support pillows can be obtained from 89€
The test rates the most expensive neck support pillow with a grade of sufficient
The test shows that many providers do not specify how the neck support pillow should be positioned