Mattress Firmness Explained: What Level Is Right For You? Choosing the right mattress firmness can make all the difference to your sleep quality. But with different options, how do you know which firmness is best? This is where we come in. As bed and mattress experts, we're going to share our knowledge on mattress firmness levels, what they mean, and how to choose the right one for you.
What is mattress firmness? Mattress firmness refers to how soft or hard a mattress feels when lying on it. It is often rated on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being extremely soft and 10 being extra firm. Firmness is just how the mattress feels, so don't confuse it with support. We'll get into that in more detail below. Firmness vs support It's a common myth to think the firmer the mattress, the more support you have. But this isn't necessarily true; firmness is just how soft or hard the surface is, whereas support is how well a mattress supports your spine and body throughout the night. You can find firm mattresses that aren't supportive and soft mattresses that are.
Why does firmness matter? Choosing the wrong mattress firmness can lead to disrupted sleep, back issues, or waking up feeling sore and tired. Whereas finding the best mattress firmness for you can help ensure the following: Proper spinal alignment, which prevents aches A comfortable sleeping surface Pressure relief for joints Better quality rest, reducing tossing and turning Ultimately, mattress firmness matters because your sleep matters, and you'll want to wake up feeling like you've had a good night's rest.
What are the different levels of mattress firmness? There are 4 types of firmness levels: soft, medium, firm, and very firm, with an option to mix in split tension. We'll dive into each below, what they mean, and what this means for different sleepers. 1. Soft mattresses Soft mattresses offer more cushioning to the touch and give more of a sink-in, plush feeling when lying down. With a firmness scale of 1-3, soft mattresses are best for side sleepers or those who like more of a 'hugging' sensation when sleeping. They are not ideal for heavier individuals or back and stomach sleepers. Shop soft mattresses 2. Medium mattresses Medium mattresses offer a balanced feel between soft and firm. Also known as a medium firm mattress, they're a popular choice as they offer the best of both worlds. With a firmness scale of 4-6, medium mattresses still sink in and offer soft comfort; they're just a little more solid than a soft mattress. They suit many sleeping styles but are best for those who share a bed or change their sleeping position frequently. Shop medium mattresses 3. Firm mattresses Solid with minimal sink, firm mattresses have a more rigid sleeping surface and less bounce and cushion. With a firmness scale of 7-8, a firm mattress keeps your hips elevated and promotes spinal alignment. They are excellent for back and stomach sleepers, heavier individuals, or those who need more of a supportive mattress top. Shop firm mattresses 4. Very firm mattresses Very firm mattresses are the most solid, offering a hard surface with little to no cushioning and no sink-in feeling. Also known as extra firm mattresses, they're best for people who need additional support, such as those with back issues. With a firmness rating of 9-10, this mattress type can feel too hard for some people, especially lighter sleepers. Shop very firm mattresses 5. Split tension mattresses These offer different firmness levels on each side of the mattress, ideal for couples or those who share a bed. This mattress ensures both sleepers can enjoy optimal comfort without compromise. Choose a split between soft, medium and firm mattresses for the best options for each of you. Shop split tension mattresses
Firmness Level Rating Description Best For Soft 1-3 Plush with that sink-in feeling Side and light sleepers Medium 4-6 Balanced comfort and support Most sleeprs and couples Firm 7-8 Solid with less give Back and stomach sleepers or heavier individuals Very Firm 9-10 Very hard Those needing strong spinal support Split tension Varies Different firmness levels on each side Those who share a bed and have different comfort levels
What is the best firmness for a mattress? While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, medium mattresses tend to suit the majority of sleepers and are the most popular firmness level. This is because it offers the perfect middle ground of soft and firm. If you're struggling to choose the right one, medium is a good choice, or continue reading to find out how to find the best one for you.
How to choose the right mattress firmness The best firmness depends on several factors, such as your sleeping position, weight, age, health concerns, and personal preference. We'll cover each in detail to help you choose the right mattress firmness level. Sleeping position How you sleep at night affects what firmness you should choose because how you sleep may require more comfort or support. Here's a quick guide: Side sleepers are best suited to soft to medium mattresses for pressure relief around the shoulders and hips. Back sleepers do well with a medium mattress that supports spinal alignment. Stomach sleepers usually need a firm mattress to prevent the hips from sinking too low. A medium mattress provides the comfort and support you need if you're a combination sleeper, tossing and turning or sleeping in different positions. For more information, check out our guide on the best mattress type for your sleeping position. Weight How much you weigh can determine what kind of mattress you need, as lighter people may find firmer mattresses too hard, and heavier individuals may find softer mattresses sink in too much. Here's a quick guide: Lightweight individuals under 9st are better suited for soft mattresses as this provides better contouring and comfort. Average people weighing 9-16st need balanced support from a medium mattress Heavier sleepers weighing over 16st would benefit from firm or very firm mattresses, as these offer more substantial support and can help prevent sagging. Age Your age can impact the most suitable level of mattress firmness. As our bodies grow and change, so do our sleep needs. Toddlers need a firm toddler mattress to support safe development. Children aged 4-12 are still developing spinal alignment, posture, and bone structure, so a medium kids' mattress is ideal as it balances support with comfort. Teenagers aged 13-19 undergo rapid growth and may develop new sleep preferences; therefore, a medium mattress can help with this. Adults' firmness levels vary by body type and sleep position, but medium remains a popular decision. Older adults age 60 and older are more prone to joint pain and pressure sensitivity, so a soft or medium mattress would suit you as you'll need gentle cushioning and ease of movement. Concerns Consider your health concerns and sleep issues when choosing a mattress firmness level. Picking one that addresses these concerns can improve your sleep quality. A medium firm mattress and a firm mattress are some of the best mattresses for back pain, as they help with spinal alignment. For joint pain, a softer mattress can help reduce the pressure on the hips and shoulders. For hot sleepers, a firmer mattress can retain less heat as they don't give that sink-in feeling around your body. Comfort preference Finding the right firmness level for you is your choice, and comfort is subjective. Don't be swayed by general rules or expectations based on your sleep issue; go with what feels best. If you lie on a mattress and don't find it comfortable, you won't enjoy sleeping on it. If you prefer a softer or firmer feel, go with it.
Finding the right mattress for you at Dreams Understanding mattress firmness is key to getting the restful, restorative sleep you need. To help you find the best mattress firmness, you can visit your nearest Dreams store and try it before buying. Our experts will be on hand to answer all your questions and solve your sleep concerns. For more, why not take our Sleepmatch quiz to find the best mattress for you? No matter what mattresses you choose, we offer a 100-Night Comfort Guarantee. So, if you're not happy after 100 sleeps, we will offer you an exchange. The perfect mattress is out there, and we'll help you find it.