Firm vs. Soft Mattress — Your Ultimate Guide

Mattresses come in a range of different firmness levels. Determining which firmness level is best for your body type and sleeping position will ensure you get a restful night’s sleep.

In this post, we’ll discuss the impact that mattress firmness has on sleep and look at the differences between mattress firmness levels. We’ll also examine the benefits of each mattress firmness level for different sleep needs.

Difference Between a Firm and Soft Mattress

Firm mattresses have very little bounce and are designed to give maximum support with no “cushy” feeling. Soft mattresses have plenty of give, allowing them to conform to your body and sleeping position.

One misconception about soft mattresses is that they aren’t as supportive as firm ones. A softer mattress can be just as supportive as a firm one. Soft mattresses get their support from added layers and targeted technologies. Some soft mattress manufacturers include an extra transition layer within their bed, or they’ll go the extra mile and include a surface modification layer—a layer of foam with zoned cutouts to provide full-body support.

Firm Mattress Facts

A firm mattress provides sleepers with a sturdy sleeping surface with relatively little give or bounce. The stability of a firm mattress makes it an ideal choice for sleepers who need extra support and even weight distribution while they sleep. These factors are what make firm mattresses great for back and stomach sleepers.

Benefits of a Firm Mattress

• Can improve posture/spinal alignment: The dense, semi-rigid feeling of a firm mattress helps encourage better spinal alignment. A firmer mattress improves posture and spinal alignment by keeping your hips lifted while you sleep, and this also alleviates pressure on your spine.
• Keeps you cooler: A firmer mattress can keep you cooler at night by keeping you more lifted “on top of” the mattress, rather than cradled within. This lifting feeling allows for improved airflow across the surface of your mattress.
• Improved circulation: Firm mattresses promote better circulation by encouraging better sleep postures.

Soft Mattress Facts

Soft mattresses are designed to provide sleepers with ample cushion and a plush feeling.

The cradling feeling that a soft mattress provides makes it ideal for those who sleep on their side. A contouring design like this will help sleepers to avoid stiffness or a build-up of pressure in the joints.

Benefits of a Soft Mattress

• Can decrease joint pain and pressure points: The plush and cushy feeling that is provided by a soft mattress is great for soothing joint pain and relaxing pressure points.
• Offers “hug-like” cradling: Soft mattresses allow you to compress into the comfort layer and experience deeper contouring.

Factors That Influence Your Ideal Mattress Firmness Level

Sleep Position

Your sleep position will have a significant impact on the firmness level you choose for your mattress. Here are mattress firmness recommendations based on your sleep position:

• Combination Sleeper: These individuals will be best suited with a medium mattress because they blend cushion and support to accommodate most sleep positions and body types. The best mattresses for combination sleepers are medium because they offer the perfect level of support in conjunction with some body contouring.
• Back Sleeper: It is key for those who sleep on their backs to keep their spine in a neutral position while sleeping. That’s why back sleepers need a firm mattress that keeps the body lifted. Mattresses for back sleepers are typically medium to medium-firm.
• Stomach Sleeper: Those who sleep on their stomachs will need extra support for their back, shoulders, and neck. Therefore, the best mattresses for stomach sleepers are firm.
• Side Sleeper: If you sleep on your side, you’ll need a mattress that provides an adequate level of comfort for your shoulders and hips. In most cases, the right mattresses for side sleepers are soft to medium.

Body Type

Your body type will also influence which mattress firmness level you find to be most comfortable. Petite sleepers will need different levels of comfort and support than those over 250 pounds.

• Lightweight Sleepers: Smaller framed sleepers and those who weigh 130 pounds or less need a softer mattress to experience adequate contouring and pressure relief. Mattresses for lightweight sleepers should be soft to medium.
• Heavy Sleepers: Those with larger/longer frames or who weigh more than 230 pounds typically want a firmer mattress to stay in a comfortable position and avoid uncomfortable sinkage. In most cases, the best mattresses for heavier individuals are medium-firm.

FAQs

Can mattress firmness deteriorate over time?

Yes, mattress firmness will deteriorate over time. Most mattresses last between 7 and 10 years, so they may start to sag after 5+ years of use. That is why it is recommended that you replace your mattress every decade or so.

Is it possible for a mattress to be too soft or too firm?

Definitely! Each individual person has a different comfort level when it comes to mattress firmness. A mattress that is too firm can leave you feeling like you’re sleeping on a rigid surface, without adequate support. In contrast, a mattress that is too soft may have a sinking feeling and cause you to wake up feeling stiff the next morning.

If you current mattress is too firm or too soft, you can adjust your mattress firmness using a high-quality mattress topper.

Which mattress is best for back pain?

The best mattresses for back pain are medium-firm. Too firm of a mattress could cause joint or muscle issues. Side sleepers who have back pain will be most comfortable with a medium mattress while those who need a little more support will prefer the medium-firm option. This mattress firmness level will also promote a neutral spine position, which will decrease back pain at night.

Which mattress typically lasts longer?

How long your mattress will last depends on the quality of materials that went into producing it. Firm mattresses usually hold up longer and better than soft ones. Because soft mattresses start out soft, they will usually sag or dip sooner than firm mattresses.

How much should I spend on a mattress?

How much you spend on a mattress will depend on several factors like the mattress brand, mattress size, and mattress type. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to spend based on the size of your mattress:

• Twin and Twin XL Mattresses: $400-$600

• Full and Queen Mattresses: $600-$1,000

• King and California King: $1,000-$2,000

Conclusion

Mattresses come in a range of different firmness levels, ensuring that one person’s most comfortable mattress will feel quite different from someone else’s. Each mattress firmness level comes with its own set of benefits. Whether a firmer or softer mattress is right for you will depend on your body type and sleeping position.