I'm about 260 and I sleep on my stomach mostly. My current mattress is a medium memory foam and I wake up with lower back pain. I'm thinking of going firm, but some people say too firm is bad for stomach sleepers. Any thoughts? I don't want to waste money on another wrong mattress.
mattress advice
Is a firm mattress better for stomach sleepers over 250 lbs
At 260 on your stomach, you need support. Firm is usually better, but not brick firm. Look for something with a firm comfort layer but a supportive core. I'm 240 and stomach/side sleeper, and a firm hybrid worked for me.
I'm not a heavy sleeper but I've read that stomach sleepers need a firmer surface to keep hips from sinking. At your weight, medium foam might be too soft. Maybe try a firm latex or hybrid?
Firm mattress saved my back. I'm 280 and a stomach sleeper. I got a firm innerspring and it's been great. No more sagging.
Firm is a relative term. What one brand calsl firm another calls medium. Check the specs. Also, your back pain could be from lack of support in the lumbar area, not just firmness. Maybe a mattress with zoned support?
Have you tried putting a board under your mattress? Cheap way to test if firm helps. I did that before buying a new one.
A board is a bit extreme but yeah, it can give you an idea. Also consider your pillow – if it's too thick it can throw your neck out of alignment when on your stomach.
I'm 300 lbs and sleep on my stomach. I got a firm maTtress from a mattress-in-a-box brand and it was too firm, felt like sleeping on the floor. Had to return it. So don't go too firm blindly.
That's a good point. Maybe a medium-firm would be better. Or a firm with a pillow top for a little cushion.
Pillow top on a firm mattress can defeat the purpose if it's too thick. You want the firmness to support your hips, not swallow you.
At your weight, you might also want to check the mattress's weight limit. Some foams break down faster for heavier folks. Innersprings or hybrids might last longer.
Also, if you go firm, get a good mattress topper. That way you can adjust comfort without buying a new mattress.
I second the topper idea. I got a soft latex topper for my firm mattress and it's perfect now. Still supportive but not rock hard.
Thanks for tthe input. I think I'll look for a medium-firm hybrid with a good return policy. And maybe try a topper if it's too firm. Appreciate the help.
Good luck. Make sure you check the trial period. Some places charge return fees.
Let us know how it goes. I'm curious what you end up with.