A good night’s sleep starts with the right mattress—but one of the most confusing parts of mattress shopping is choosing the correct firmness level. Should you go soft and plush? Medium and balanced? Or firm and supportive?
The answer depends on your sleep position, body type, and personal comfort preferences. Understanding how firmness affects spinal alignment and pressure relief can make all the difference between waking up refreshed—or waking up sore.
Why Mattress Firmness Matters
Mattress firmness directly impacts two critical factors: spinal alignment and pressure relief.
If a mattress is too soft, your hips and midsection may sink too deeply, throwing your spine out of alignment. If it’s too firm, you may not get enough contouring around pressure points like the shoulders and hips. The goal is to find the balance where your spine remains neutral while your body feels supported and comfortable.
Let’s break down each firmness level and who it’s best suited for.
Soft Mattresses: Plush Comfort & Pressure Relief
Soft mattresses allow your body to sink in more deeply. They are especially beneficial for side sleepers because they cushion the shoulders and hips—two major pressure points.
Best for:
- Side sleepers
- Lightweight individuals (under 130 lbs)
- People with sensitive joints
Soft mattresses typically use thicker comfort layers like memory foam or plush pillow tops. However, stomach and back sleepers may find them too sinking, which can strain the lower back over time.
If you love a “hugging” feel and primarily sleep on your side, a soft mattress may be ideal.
Medium Mattresses: The Universal Choice
Medium firmness is often considered the safest and most versatile option. It provides a balance between contouring and support, making it suitable for a wide range of sleepers.
Best for:
- Combination sleepers
- Couples with different sleep styles
- Average-weight individuals (130–230 lbs)
A medium mattress offers enough softness for pressure relief while still maintaining proper spinal alignment. That’s why many sleep experts recommend medium firmness as a starting point if you’re unsure.
When shopping for quality sleep solutions, collections like premium mattresses offer a range of firmness options designed to accommodate different sleeping needs while maintaining durability and support.
Firm Mattresses: Maximum Support
Firm mattresses provide minimal sinkage and keep your body elevated on the surface. They are particularly helpful for stomach and back sleepers who need stronger lumbar support.
Best for:
- Back sleepers
- Stomach sleepers
- Heavier individuals (over 230 lbs)
Because firm mattresses prevent the hips from dipping too far, they help maintain proper spinal alignment. However, strict side sleepers may find them too rigid and uncomfortable around pressure points.
Don’t Forget Body Weight
Body weight significantly affects how firmness feels:
- Under 130 lbs: Mattresses feel firmer.
- 130–230 lbs: Firmness feels true to rating.
- Over 230 lbs: Mattresses feel softer and may require firmer construction.
This is why two people can lie on the same mattress and have completely different comfort experiences.
The Bottom Line
There’s no single “best” firmness for everyone. The right choice depends on how you sleep and what feels supportive to your body.
If you’re a side sleeper needing pressure relief, lean toward soft. If you’re a back or stomach sleeper seeking support, consider a firm. And if you want versatility, medium is often the sweet spot.
Taking the time to compare and match mattress firmness to your sleep style can dramatically improve sleep quality, reduce aches and pains, and help you wake up feeling truly rested.