Firm vs Soft Mattress: Which Is Best for You?

Let’s face it, mattress shopping can be an overwhelming experience. With countless options available online, choosing the right mattress can feel like a daunting task. After all, buying a mattress is a significant investment, so it’s important to make a well-informed decision.

One of the biggest questions every mattress shopper faces is: Do I want a firm or soft mattress? This is a great starting point because the mattress's firmness will have a huge impact on how comfortable and supported you feel. While personal preference plays a big role in this decision, there are also some more objective factors to consider when comparing firm and soft mattresses.

We’ve put together this guide to help you navigate the decision-making process and determine which mattress is best for your needs. Read on to compare the pros and cons of firm vs soft mattresses!

Firm vs Soft Mattress: What Makes a Mattress Firm or Soft?

Most mattress companies use a 1-10 scale to rate the firmness of their mattresses. At Mattress Clarity, we also follow this scale, with 6.5 being classified as medium-firm. Any mattress rated below 6.5 is considered softer, and any mattress above 6.5 is considered firmer.

The firmness of a mattress is primarily determined by its construction and materials. For example, an innerspring mattress with no significant comfort layer is typically firmer. The quality of the coils also plays a role in the firmness and support of the mattress, with innerspring mattresses generally being firmer than other types. Latex mattresses tend to be firmer as well since latex is a dense and durable material that offers less give compared to foam.

On the other hand, memory foam mattresses are usually softer and more pressure-relieving. This is why many bed-in-a-box mattresses, which often feature adaptive foam or AirFoam, tend to be softer than average.

It’s important to note that just because a mattress features memory foam or soft foam, it doesn’t automatically mean it’s soft. It really depends on how thick the comfort layer is. For instance, the Allswell mattress features a thin layer of memory foam, which makes it firm, while the Amerisleep AS4 has a thicker memory foam layer, making it softer.

Remember, firmness is highly subjective and can also depend on your size and body weight. For instance, a person with a lighter weight may find a mattress with a memory foam layer to be soft, while a heavier person might feel the mattress is firmer because they press deeper into the foam.

Benefits & Drawbacks of Firm Mattresses

Firm mattresses offer several key benefits, primarily in terms of support. They keep the body elevated on top of the mattress, preventing the body from sinking too deeply. Most people find that they feel like they are sleeping “on top” of the mattress rather than sinking into it, which can make it easier to move around during the night.

These mattresses also tend to sleep cooler than soft mattresses. Since you’re not sinking deep into the bed, more of your body is exposed to the cooler air circulating in the room.

However, while firm mattresses offer excellent support, they don’t provide as much pressure relief. Side sleepers especially may experience significant pressure on their shoulders and hips while lying on a firm mattress. Additionally, while firm mattresses provide support, they may not be perceived as comfortable by everyone.

Benefits & Drawbacks of Soft Mattresses

Soft mattresses excel at pressure relief. They allow sleepers, particularly side sleepers, to sink in a bit more, reducing the pressure on shoulders and hips. This sinking feeling is often described as a “comfortable” sensation, which is why many people gravitate toward soft mattresses.

However, the tradeoff is that soft mattresses usually lack support. They tend to be less suitable for heavier sleepers and can cause problems for back sleepers or stomach sleepers. Additionally, people who sink too deeply into a soft mattress may find it harder to move around or change positions during the night. Soft mattresses also tend to sleep hotter, as a larger portion of your body is not exposed to the air in the room.

Who Should Choose a Firm Mattress?

• Stomach sleepers: If you sleep on your stomach, you need a mattress that provides support under your hips to keep your spine aligned. A firm mattress offers the support necessary to prevent your hips from sinking, which could lead to back pain.
• Some back sleepers: While many back sleepers prefer a medium-firm mattress, some may prefer a firmer mattress. As long as the mattress allows a slight sinkage of the hips, it can work for back sleepers.
• Larger people: Heavier sleepers generally need more support than a soft mattress can offer. A firm mattress can provide the necessary support for larger body weights.
• People who prefer sleeping on top of their mattress: If you like the feeling of sleeping “on top” of your mattress rather than sinking in, a firm mattress is a great choice.
• Hot sleepers: Firm mattresses tend to sleep cooler than soft mattresses, especially when they don’t feature foam layers that trap body heat.
• People with mobility issues: A firm mattress makes it easier to move around and get in and out of bed, which is especially important for those with mobility problems.

Who Should Choose a Soft Mattress?

• Side sleepers: Side sleepers should opt for a soft mattress. Soft mattresses offer better pressure relief on the shoulders and hips, making them more comfortable for side sleepers.
• People with pain issues: Those with joint, hip pain, or other similar issues often find that soft mattresses, especially with memory foam, can alleviate pain and provide relief.
• People who like to sink into their mattress: If you enjoy a more “in” the mattress feel, a soft mattress is likely to be your preference. The extra sinkage allows you to feel enveloped in comfort.
• Couples: Soft mattresses often perform better at reducing motion transfer, making them ideal for couples. When one partner moves, they’re less likely to disturb the other person on a soft mattress, particularly those made from memory foam.

Firm vs Soft Mattress: Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the choice between a firm or soft mattress depends on your individual preferences, sleeping position, and body weight. A firm mattress is generally better for stomach sleepers, larger individuals, and people who sleep hot, while a soft mattress is more suitable for side sleepers, people with pain issues, and those who like to sink into their mattress.

FAQs

• Is a soft or firm mattress better for back pain?
  A medium-firm mattress is usually ideal for those with back pain, as it provides support while allowing the spine to stay aligned. Proper lumbar support is also crucial in reducing back pain.
• What mattress is best, firm or soft?
  The best mattress depends on your sleep position. Firm mattresses work better for stomach sleepers and those who prefer cooler sleep, while soft mattresses are ideal for side sleepers and those seeking pressure relief.
• Should side sleepers have a soft or firm mattress?
  Side sleepers benefit from a soft mattress because it relieves pressure on the shoulders and hips.
• Will a firm mattress get softer?
  Over time, firm mattresses can soften, especially those made with lower-density materials like foam. However, high-quality materials like latex and high-grade coils will last longer and resist softening.
• How firm should my mattress be?
  Back and stomach sleepers typically prefer a firmer mattress, while side sleepers tend to go for a softer mattress.