Stomach sleeper here. I never have issues with any sleeping mat I try, but sleeping pads are another thing.
In most cases, I wake up with my arms, shoulders, and chest out of the sleeping pad and my head twisted so badly that it's facing in the wrong direction.
If that sounds familiar, pads for stomach sleepers might help you.
I'll share the five best sleeping pads for stomach sleepers in the review below. I've also compiled a handy buying guide to help you select the right pad for your stomach sleeping needs.
Quick View of the Best Sleeping Pads for Stomach Sleepers in 2023.
5 Best Sleeping Pads for Stomach Sleepers
Read also: Best Sleeping Pads for Side Sleepers
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite Ultralight
The NeoAir is what I’m currently using. While it’s a pricey option, I’ve read nothing but good reviews about it.
Sleeping comfort is key for me, especially when camping, and I can't put a price tag on it. So, yes, the NeoAir Xlite is worth it.
The Therm NeoAir Xlite is a high-quality sleeping pad that makes a huge difference in comfort for backpacking trips on cold nights. The 4.2 R-value is noticeable and handy for shielding your body against the biting cold.
Many campers complain that the NeoAir Xlite is narrow, but it's probably a case of misuse. This sleeping pad is for stomach sleepers, not side sleepers or those who toss throughout the night. It's the perfect option for a stomach sleeper like me, and I don't have to worry about sliding off the pad.
It's also incredibly soft and comfortable to use. I would compare it to the memory foam mattress in my home. It's an incredible resting solution, especially after a long, wild day in the woods.
I also like that this sleeping pad doesn't bottom out at the pressure point as other pads do. It makes for a more comfortable sleeping solution because bottoming decreases a pad’s ability to insulate you from the ground and can strain your body. Your front and hips will feel great every morning.
For ultra-light backpacking, the NeoAir Xlite is the cat's meow. It's ultra-lightweight and doesn't take up much real estate in your camping gear. It’s perfect for situations in which every gram matters.
Packing this bad boy is a breeze. Simply deflate the release valve and roll it. Done. Inflating the NeoAir Xlite is equally easy. It comes with an inflation bag, which I appreciate because it relieves me from the dizzying huffs and puffs. It takes only five bags of air to fill.
Some campers think the Neo Air Xlite is crunchy and makes a lot of noise. I disagree. It doesn't make much noise at all. However, if you feel that it's making noise, you can solve that problem by putting a cloth between it and the ground. It doesn't annoy me as much as it does the people around me.
The only gripe I can think of is that the NeoAir Xlite doesn't come with a pack or carrier to put it in before it goes into the backpack. It's a minor concern, but I expected to get a carrier, especially for the money.
Outdoorsman Lab Sleeping Pad
The Outdoorsman Pad grabbed my attention because it's from a small family business operating in Colorado against some of the biggest players in the game.
I've owned pads from REI and Big Agnes, and while their products are incredible, their prices are not. The Outdoorsman Pad is relatively inexpensive, yet its performance is by no means compromised.
Consider the Outdoorsman Lab Sleeping Pad as a backcountry basic. It's an ultra-light pad and ideal for lightening your backpacking gear. It also folds to a compact size and easily goes back into the mesh sack. The pad compresses to the size of a small water bottle.
The Outdoorsman Lab Pad is a performer too. I'm a stomach sleeper with some history of pain. Sleep is usually the worst part of camping for me, with pain and discomfort all night long. All of that changed with the Outdoorsman Sleeping Pad.
First, it's thicker than most sleeping pads. When I wake up in the morning, my hips, legs, and front feel great. I can sleep comfortably all night long without tossing or feeling any pain.
The sleeping pad is ideal if you need to insulate and get comfort from the ground. It's great, and you won't feel the ground, regardless of your sleeping position.
It's not the most insulated sleeping pad for stomach sleepers, but you’ll hardly feel the ground affecting your warmth. The pad is marketed as a three-season sleeping pad and is perfect for most weather conditions.
I'm also impressed that I can inflate the Outdoorsman Lab Sleeping Pad in less than 12 breaths. Deflating the Outdoorsman is not difficult either. Just press the one-way valve to deflate it; then it rolls like a sleeping bag.
The Outdoorsman Lab Sleeping Pad is solid and you shouldn't expect air leaks. I've never experienced any loss of air from the pad.
It's not noisy and you won't find it slippery. It works great and the pad's contoured shape perfectly matches most sleeping bags' contours, so sliding shouldn't be an issue.
Overall, the Outdoorsman is a nice pad, and it sets the bar high for other pads in the same price range. I would buy it again in the future.
Lightspeed Outdoors XL Super Plush
I’ve gotten the best night's rest on the Lightspeed Outdoors Pad. It's an inflatable sleeping pad for stomach sleepers, so you can make it firm or squishy – your choice.
I'm a stomach sleeper, so I prefer to rest on squishy pads. Usually, I let the air out of my Lightspeed Outdoors Pad to make it less firm. Being firm isn't uncomfortable; I find that it just feels comfier to let some air out.
My initial impression of this pad is that it's comfortable and nice to use – unlike most inflatable pads, which are somewhat comfy for the first hour, then lose air throughout the night, ultimately leaving you with your hip on the ground.
Instead, the Lightspeed Super Plush has less air and more foam than a typical air mattress, so your hips and front can't sink significantly. Everything rests on the softer foam. Plus, it's a solid purchase and won't develop a sinkhole in the middle of nowhere.
The Lightspeed Outdoor Pad inflates quickly, requiring only eight full breaths to top off. It's an incredible feat and the way to go if you don't want to bring a pump.
Unfortunately, it's a bit bulky, especially when you’re folding it. This is the main reason why I’ve docked a star. The good thing is that it seamlessly fits into the accompanying bag. It's not like those pads with factory bags that you'll rarely get the item back into.
The Lightspeed Super Plus comes with a bag containing plenty of spare room, which makes rolling the pad much easier. I love that the manufacturer was "honest" by providing a huge bag because they know that their pad isn't compact, even when folded.
This sleeping pad is far from what you would consider for minimalistic camping. Would I want to trek with the Lightspeed for miles on end?
NO.
However, it is the perfect option for car camping, RVing, or taking short treks.
The comfort and performance also outweigh the weight issues. It is comfortable to sleep on. Once you lay on it, you don't feel the need to get up.
Its performance in different weather conditions is also nice. While the manufacturer has not specified the R-value, I have used the pad in cold weather conditions and didn't feel like I was freezing. I wouldn't recommend it for winter camping, but the R-value is properly rated for most other conditions.
Overall, the Lightspeed insulated and self-inflating sleeping pad makes all the difference when camping. I love that you can dial in the firmness you desire by adjusting how much air you need. It's a great way to ensure a comfortable stomach sleeping experience.
Klymit Static V Luxe Sleeping Pad
The Klymit Static V Luxe Sleeping Pad ticks most boxes for the best sleeping pad for stomach sleepers.
I'm a big fan of this pad, and its first impression is amazing. When you unbox the pad from the convenient storage bag, you'll hardly notice any smell or off-gassing that comes with most pads. This is important because I'm sensitive to toxins and usually get a headache or sick from that gas.
A signature feature of the Klymit Static V Luxe Sleeping Pad is the 30" width. It's huge and covers the entire floor of one of my tents. It's a nice option for big guys who don't want to feel low on space. I'm usually uncomfortable on narrow pads; I can't manage to stay on them throughout the night.
Furthermore, the pad has what Klymit calls "side rails" and a V-pattern. They're handy features, and it's nice to not have to work at staying on the pad during the night.
The side rails don't blow up bigger than the rest of the pad and will keep your knees and elbows from hitting the edges or the ground.
Meanwhile, the V-shapes are cushy and will eliminate the floor's hardness on your hips. If you're still feeling the floor's hardness, you could consider placing a thin rug over the ground for more comfort.
The Klymit Static V Luxe Sleeping Pad is under two pounds and might not be ideal for the minimalist backpacker. However, I still reach for the pad when I'm going fast and light or doing an overnight with my daypack because it feels light to me.
My only gripe with the Klymit Static V Luxe Sleeping Pad is that it takes 25 breaths to blow it up – actually, probably closer to 40. It’s ok, but something I wouldn’t want to do. Having a small operated blower will probably save you from all the hassle.
Overall, I believe that the Klymit Static V Luxe Sleeping Pad will provide you with plenty of good use and is comfortable for almost any situation. I recommend it.
Overmont Large Sleeping Pad
The Overmont Large Sleeping Pad isn't your go-to option if you need something ultra-light for backpacking. However, it's an awesome choice if you need a budget-friendly, easy-to-use, and comfortable sleeping pad.
It’s a good sleeping pad, but far from great. However, for the price, it’s acceptable.
Inflating the Overmont Large Sleeping Bag takes a few minutes, and the procedure isn’t difficult if done correctly.
The quality of the material is awesome, and it feels more resistant. It gives me confidence that it'll last longer and not develop holes.
Performance-wise, the Overmont Large Sleeping Pad is great to lay on in different conditions. It doesn't deflate as other sleeping pads do. Instead, it preserves the air better and won't develop pressure holes. Lying on the pad is nice; it feels like a home mattress.
Furthermore, it comes with a pillow section, which is nice for supporting your head and neck while you’re lying down. You can even use the pillow section to operate your phone and read a book when you're not on your stomach.
This new model doesn’t contain the "square" patterns of the previous models. Also, it has horizontal rides across the pad. It's comfier to lie on, as it redistributes the air much better and gives your back more support. It's even fine for side sleeping; just be mindful of the weight when switching positions.
Best Sleeping Pads for Stomach Sleepers Buying Guide
In the section below, I'll share tips for choosing the best sleeping pads for stomach sleepers. Here, I outline the important criteria to follow when selecting the ideal sleeping pads for your stomach sleeping needs.
Comfort
Comfort is subjective, but as a stomach sleeper, you should consider taking a step up in comfort, even if it means a weight penalty.
The ideal sleeping pad for stomach sleepers will make you instantly comfortable when you crawl into your sleeping bag, rather than requiring you to go through a process of getting comfortable.
Thickness of the Sleeping Pad
The thickness of the sleeping pad is vital, especially for stomach sleepers.
The problem with sleeping on your stomach is that the torso naturally sinks deeper into the sleeping pad because of its weight.
If the pad isn't sufficiently thick, your back might arch and stretch your spine out of neutral alignment. This can result in stress and strains, causing aches and pain when you wake up.
Noise
I'm a stomach sleeper and I avoid sleeping pads that make crinkly noise when I change sides in the middle of the night.
The material's surface should be silent and not make you feel like you're sleeping on a thunderstorm all night.
Durability
The ideal sleeping pad for stomach sleepers must also be durable and sturdy. I'm always willing to carry a few more ounces for durable construction.
Compact Design
While I'm concerned about adding a few extra ounces to my sleeping pad, I also like to keep the pad-packed size down.
A compact sleeping pad is perfect, especially when I’m backpacking and need to save my space for more camping gear.
Warmth
You must also consider the warmth of the sleeping pad, especially if you'll be camping in winter or sub-zero conditions.
Usually, sleeping pads have an R-value, which indicates the level of warmth. The higher the R-value, the warmer the sleeping pad.
Extra Space
If you’re a stomach sleeper, you know that the spreading of legs and arms happens, whether consciously or unconsciously.
If the sleeping pad is narrow, you’ll lack space to spread your legs and arms. With that in mind, you’ll want to get a wider pad.
Final Thoughts
Each option we've reviewed is unique and will fit the needs of different user categories.
However, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite Ultralight seems desirable for most campers. It's a performance-oriented sleeping solution designed to make your nights comfier and more fulfilling.
The only gripe with this model is the price. It’s expensive, but as I mentioned earlier, there's no price tag for a good night's rest.
However, if the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite Ultralight will overstretch your budget, consider the Overmont Large Sleeping Bag.
It's the least expensive sleeping pad on our list. This basic, no-frills model lacks the bells and whistles of the one I use, but it's functional.
It’s a practical unit and of decent quality. It’ll hardly disappoint you, especially if you're looking for a comfy sleeping performance.
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