With so many options available in the market, finding the right mattress that is fit for your body is an important decision since it could directly affect your sleep quality and long-term health. There are several factors contributing to a longer-lasting mattress, with firmness being one of the most important.
The choice between a firm or soft mattress surface can significantly impact your comfort, spinal alignment, and overall satisfaction. Your decision should reflect not only your personal comfort but also your different sleeping positions and preferences. What feels perfect for one person might not suit another, making it essential to consider individual needs.
To help you make an informed choice, this guide explores the differences between soft and firm mattresses and how each option can benefit various beds and sleep styles.
How to Measure The Firmness
Generally, the firmness of a mattress is rated on a scale of 1-10. On average, many manufacturers go for firmness between 4-7, as this is what is more comfortable for many sleepers.
Here's a general breakdown of firmness levels:
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1-3 (Soft) – Extra plush with deep sinkage.
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4-6 (Medium-soft to medium-firm) – Balanced support and comfort.
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7-10 (Firm to extra-firm) – Less sinkage and more support.
Note – This scale is only a common standard. Keep in mind that personal preferences, body weight, and mattress materials can affect how a mattress feels.
Key Differences Between Soft and Firm Mattresses
A soft mattress offers additional comfort layers above the support layers of the bed, making it feel softer. You will be able to feel yourself sinking into a soft mattress. The top or surface layer of this type of mattress can conform to your body, creating a hug-like feel.
Anything rated below 5 on a firmness scale is considered soft. However, it is important to emphasise that a soft mattress refers only to the upper comfort layers. The structure that offers support is on the lower layers, so not to be mistaken, soft bedding can offer strong support.
Some mattress stores and manufacturers consider anything below a 4 rating on the scale to have minimal to no support for healthy sleep. This statement is subjective to brands and manufacturers.
On the other hand, a “firm” mattress, as the word says, is one which provides a firm feel on the upper layers of the sleeping surface. However, with recent technology, the term firm doesn't always mean more support. This means that you can get both firm and soft bedding with great support. You can also have a firm and soft mattress with no support.
Based on the mattress firmness levels, a firm sleeping surface is anything rated 7 or above.
When you lie on a firm bedding layer, you will feel like you are on top of the mattress, with little to no body conforming or contouring feeling for you to sink into. In other words, unlike a memory foam material that hugs the body, a firm sleeping surface will give you the feeling of floating on top of the bed's upper layer.
Benefits of Soft and Firm Mattresses
Both soft and firm mattresses offer unique benefits, depending on sleep position, body weight, and personal preference.
Soft Mattress
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Offers great pressure relief for side sleepers in the shoulders and hips
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Excellent at motion isolation properties
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Provides a conforming/ body-contouring feel
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Provides good spinal support for back sleepers
Firm Mattress
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Helps with spinal alignment for stomach sleepers
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A high-quality firm mattress can offer great support for heavier bodies.
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The bed surface feels easier to move around and change sleeping positions
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Gives the option and versatility to add a topper for a more plush comfort layer
Considerations To Make When Buying A Soft And Firm Mattress
Before choosing between a firm or soft mattress, consider factors such as body weight, sleeping position, and existing health conditions.
Soft Mattress
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Stomach sleepers can sometimes find their hips dipped too far into the bedding.
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Depending on the materials, additional comfort layers can trap heat, making it difficult for hot sleepers.
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The soft, bouncy surface makes it more difficult to change sleeping positions.
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Depending on the sleeping positions, it can cause spinal alignment issues for some sleepers.
Firm Mattress
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It can cause pressure points in the shoulders and hips, especially for side sleepers.
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Lightweight sleepers might find the sleeping surface uncomfortable
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It can aggravate the pain for those with muscle and joint aches
Who Can Benefit a Soft Mattress?
Choosing a soft mattress is often a matter of personal comfort, but certain groups of people may find it particularly beneficial. Soft sleeping surfaces offer enhanced cushioning and pressure relief, making them ideal for specific needs and preferences.
Here's a closer look at who may benefit the most from a soft mattress:
Side Sleepers
Those sleeping on their sides with a pillow need pressure relief on their shoulders and hips. A soft upper layer provides the right amount of cushioning to reduce discomfort.
People With Pain Issues
Soft bedding can be suitable for those with joint or hip pain, as the plush layers absorb pressure.
Those Who Prefer a Hug-Like Feel
A soft sleeping surface allows sleepers to sink into the mattress, offering a comforting and body-contouring effect.
Couples
Soft mattresses, especially those made of memory foam, have excellent motion isolation properties. This feature makes them ideal for couples, as they minimise movement disturbances.
Who Is A Firm Mattress For?
Stomach Sleepers
Those who sleep on their stomachs will require a surface that provides enough support across their body for a comfortable sleep. A firm sleeping surface offers just the right amount of support under the hips so that the spine can stay in a proper, healthy alignment.
Back Sleepers Seeking Extra Support
While most back sleepers prefer a medium-firm mattress, some find a greater firmness to strike the ideal balance between support and comfort. If the bedding allows the hips to sink in just a bit, it can perfectly work for back sleeping.
Heavier Individuals
Sleepers who are on the heavier side will require more support than a soft surface for healthy spine alignment and comfortable sleep. This is because firmer mattresses usually offer more support and should be able to handle heavier body weights.
Sleepers Who Prefer a “On-Top” Feel
Firm sleeping surfaces don't allow people to sink in too far. This property can make a firm mattress the best match for people who feel they are on top of the bed when sleeping.
Individuals with Mobility Challenges
Anyone who has trouble moving around due to injury or health problems might find firm bedding more convenient for routine use. A firm sleeping surface will make it much easier to change positions and get in and out of bed without feeling stuck.
Making The Right Choice Between Firm or Soft Mattress
Not all mattresses are designed equally, and they are not targeted to suit a specific population. Humans have unique needs and preferences, and this is no different when it comes to sleeping.
Only you can decide whether a firm or soft mattress is the ideal fit.
Considering key factors like personal preferences, weight, sleeping position, health concerns, and couple preferences can make this choice easier. For more personalised advice, always talk to reliable mattress stores or manufacturers before making a final call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a firm mattress better for back pain?
A firm sleeping surface can help with spinal alignment, but the right level of firmness depends on personal comfort and mattress type.
What type of mattress is most firm?
Latex and hybrid mattresses tend to be firmer than memory foam.
Can a soft mattress still provide support?
Yes, a well-designed soft mattress can have strong lower support layers.
Should I sleep without a pillow on a firm mattress?
Sleeping without a pillow may work for stomach sleepers but can cause discomfort for others.
How often should I deep clean a mattress?
At least every 6 months, or more frequently if you have allergies or pets.
Does a firm mattress last longer?
A high-quality firm mattress tends to be more durable than softer models.
Which mattress is better for combination sleepers?
A medium-firm foam mattress is ideal for those who switch positions at night.
