Stomach sleeping is a challenging position for most people, and doctors do not recommend it because it isn’t the best sleeping position. Sleeping on the stomach often causes neck strain from craning your neck to one side and cause spinal strain due to the uneven weight distribution.
Choosing the right pillow for stomach sleeping can make a world of a difference in your sleep quality simply because the thickness of the pillow is very important. With so many pillows out there in the market it might be difficult to pick the right stomach sleeper pillow. Fortunately, in this post, we will explore some of the common factors involved in choosing the right pillow for stomach sleepers.
Criteria to consider when looking for a stomach pillow
Size
You might be surprised at this, but pillow size is actually one of the most important considerations when looking for a pillow, especially if you are a stomach sleeper. If it is too small, it won’t provide the best possible head and neck support. The right-sized pillow can prevent your urge of having to toss and turn through the night which can disrupt your sleep.
Stomach pillows generally come in these common sizes
Standard (20” W x 26” L) – This is the most common pillow size, it is also the most impact and in most cases, the least expensive option. Standard pillows might not be ideal for you if you toss and turn often as they are often too narrow and may cause your head to slip off the sides.
Super Standard (20” W x 28” L) – The Super Standard is considered as a wider alternative to the standard. This makes it suitable for some of you who toss and turn, but there are still people who find it too narrow for them, which is why this size is the least common among all sizes.
Queen (20” W x 30” L) – The Queen is 4 inches wider than a standard, which will be great for most of you who toss and turn.
King (20” W x 36” L) – The King is 10 inches wider than the standard size. This means that it will not only be enough to accommodate you if you want to toss and turn, it will also serve as a comfy headrest or backrest.
Body (48-52” W x 20” L) – Body pillows are the longest and are popular within people who like to snuggle with a pillow while sleeping.
Thickness
Low-thickness – Less than 3 inches, best for you if you weigh more than 230 lbs and have a small head size.
Medium-thickness – 3-5 inches, best for you if you weigh between 130 to 230 lbs and have an average head size.
High-thickness – More than 5 inches, best for you if you weigh less than 130 lbs and have a large head size.
Materials
Buckwheat
5-10 lbs, provides great support and allows you to sleep cool.
Down
Comes with an adjustable loft, known for being soft, sleeping cool and its long lifespan.
Down Alternative
Polyester puffballs that mimic the softness and weight of authentic down. These are known for being budget orientated, are soft and lightweight and no risk of allergies.
Memory Foam
Shredded or solid memory foam, they provide good support and are great for light sleepers because they produce no noise.
Polyester
Synthetic fabric, known for its low cost, good shape retention and have no risk of allergies and odours.
Moldability
This refers to how easily a pillow can be scrunched or reshaped to accommodate different head and neck positions. This is important for stomach sleepers especially those of you who have a hard time getting comfortable and need to move the pillow around during the night.
Cost
The cost varies on the material of the stomach pillow. You will be able to get a decent stomach pillow for the price listed below for the common materials. It is also important for you to know that a high price doesn’t always equate to a high-quality product. It is always recommended for you to look up at the reviews of each individual stomach pillow before making a decision.
Buckwheat – $50 to $75
Down – $70 to $100
Down Alt – $20 to $30
Feather – $25 to $50
Latex – $40 to $60
Memory Foam – $50 to $60
Polyester – $10 to $15
Polyfoam – $40 to $100
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