Face Down Pillow vs Face Cradle: How to Lie Face Down Comfortably
Lying face down on a regular pillow means turning your head to one side, and after a few minutes your neck lets you know. There are two ways to lie face down with your head straight: a face-down pillow that sits on the mattress, or a face cradle that attaches to the edge of the bed. Here is how they differ and which one fits what you want to do.
Why a regular pillow doesn't work face down
A pillow under your face either pushes your head to one side or presses your nose and mouth into the fabric. To breathe, you turn your head, and your neck spends the whole time rotated. That is fine for a minute or two, but not for a 20-minute massage, a facial or a long rest.
Option 1: a face-down pillow (prone pillow)
A face-down pillow, also called a prone pillow, is a foam pillow with an opening for the face that lies flat on the mattress.
- Good for: lying on your stomach in the middle of the bed, including sleeping.
- Limits: your arms have nowhere natural to go, the height is fixed, and the person giving a massage has to lean over the bed.
Option 2: a face cradle for the bed
A face cradle for the bed works like the headrest of a massage table, mounted on the edge of your mattress. The Vitabyo Bed Cradle has a steel base that slides under the mattress (the mattress's own weight holds it in place), a memory-foam face cushion with a cotton cover, an armrest, and a locking knob for height and tilt.
- Good for: massage at home with a partner, resting face down, reading or scrolling with your arms on the armrest, facials and skincare sessions.
- Limits: it sits at the edge of the bed, so it is made for sessions and rests, not for sleeping all night in the middle of the bed.
Which one should you choose?
| You want to… | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Sleep on your stomach in the middle of the bed | Face-down pillow |
| Give or get a massage at home | Face cradle for the bed |
| Rest face down with your arms supported | Face cradle for the bed |
| Do a facial or skincare session lying down | Face cradle for the bed |
| Adjust the height and tilt of your head | Face cradle for the bed |
How to set up the Vitabyo Bed Cradle
- Slide the steel base under the mattress at the side or foot of the bed.
- Loosen the side knob, bring the face cushion level with the top of the mattress (or tilt it a few degrees), then tighten it.
- Lie face down with your face on the cushion and your arms on the armrest.
- When you're done, fold it flat and slide it under the bed. No tools or screws.
It fits beds from twin to king with mattresses about 5.5 to 17.7 inches (14 to 45 cm) thick. In the US it ships free from US stock.
The steel base slides under any mattress from 5.5 to 17.7 in (14–45 cm) thick, on twin, full, queen and king beds.
■ Mattress thickness the Bed Cradle fits: 5.5–17.7 in
Vitabyo Bed Cradle – massage headrest for the bed with armrestFree US shipping · 30-day returns · no tools neededSee the Bed Cradle →Current offer
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Shop the Bed Cradle →Frequently asked questions
What is a prone pillow?
A prone pillow is a face-down pillow: a foam pillow with an opening for the face, so you can lie on your stomach with your head straight.
Can I lie face down on my bed like on a massage table?
Yes. A face cradle that attaches to the edge of the bed gives you the same straight-head position as a massage table's headrest.
Is the Vitabyo Bed Cradle a medical device?
No. It is a comfort and positioning product for massage and relaxation at home. If you have been told to stay face down after a medical procedure, follow your care team's instructions.