Best Soft Mattress

As a mattress tester and writer, I always want to give you the most detailed, thorough info possible. However, I’m also just a regular shopper, and knowing that real people actually tested a product makes me feel way more confident. My team and I built and refined our hands-on testing process using years of experience. After testing more than 1000+ mattresses combined, we know exactly which features matter most for your sleep. These include firmness, pressure relief, support, cooling, and motion transfer.

Using what we’ve learned over the years, we describe how a mattress actually feels. This helps our readers know what they’re walking into before they buy.

Sharing how a mattress feels is a great way to give shoppers easy-to-understand info with a personal touch. However, gathering hard data using our specialized pressure mat—which creates color-coded heat maps of our bodies—helps back up those impressions. We use tools like the pressure mat, heat guns, and seismograph apps to check whether our instincts line up or clash with the numbers.

When testing is wrapped up, each performance category gets a score between 1 and 5. Those numbers are then averaged for one overall rating. The mattresses chosen for combination sleepers stood out in responsiveness and motion isolation.

Sleep is a big part of our overall health. Therefore, we work closely with medical experts like Dr. Raj Dasgupta and Dr. Shelby Harris as a key part of our testing and decision-making. Their guidance on sleep health and bedding shapes every review we write and helps us track down the best mattresses out there.

“A good mattress will keep your spine aligned while you sleep,” said Dr. Harris. “Your sleep position, body type, and personal preferences for feel and materials all play a role in which mattress will work best for you. You also want to think about cost, convenience, durability, whether or not you share the bed, and any sleep concerns you deal with regularly — sleeping hot, back pain, and so on — and look for mattresses designed to address those specific needs.”

Our crew of certified sleep science coaches pick the top mattresses for sleepers.

Our full process also digs into how a bed performs in other ways, like how cool it stays, how well it absorbs motion, and more. We measure these details using fancy tools (think heat guns and pressure-mapping pads) along with honest feedback from testers of all sizes and firmness tastes.

Once all the scores are in, we crunch the numbers using a weighted formula to get the bed’s total score. That overall rating is a solid clue about its general quality and always lands somewhere out of five.

As we narrow down which mattresses make our final list, we only keep ones that earn at least a 3.5 out of 5 overall. Even if a bed shines in one area, we won’t recommend it if it doesn’t hit that minimum bar.

• 1000+ mattresses tested in person
• 30+ data points collected for each bed
• 6 Certified Sleep Science Coaches on staff
• Expert input from our Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta (MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM).
• 40,000+ readers who bought a new bed based on our recommendations

Soft mattresses can get a little toasty since those foamy layers tend to trap heat and don’t let much air move around. To keep my hot sleepers happy, I went looking for cooling upgrades—stuff like gel, copper, or graphite infusions that help pull heat away from your body. I also checked for breathable fabrics and open designs that let air pass through more easily. We even hit each bed with our thermal gun test to measure exactly how it reacts to body warmth.

No matter how you sleep or what kind of body you’ve got, pressure relief is a big deal if you don’t wanna wake up sore. We ran pressure tests on each bed with testers of different shapes and sizes to get a real sense of how they’d feel for all kinds of sleepers.

While testing, I hunted for soft, body-hugging materials that give nice cushy support around the hips, shoulders, and lower back. Memory foam is kinda the MVP for that plush, snuggly feel, so I made sure these beds had several thick foam layers, and some even tossed in a quilted foam cover for extra comfort points. I also kept an eye out for solid support setups—either coil springs or dense foam bases—to keep sleepers lifted and aligned instead of sinking too deep.

When picking out a soft bed, I obviously focused on where it landed on the firmness scale. We rate mattresses from 1 to 10, where 1’s basically marshmallow-level soft and 10’s firm as a board. I went for beds that hit somewhere between a 5 and 6.5, which keeps that cozy, cushiony vibe but still gives enough support so you don’t sink straight to the bottom.

Soft beds really shine when it comes to pressure relief. When you stretch out on a mattress, you might notice certain spots—like your hips or shoulders—pushing down harder into the surface. A bed that handles pressure well will kind of hug those spots, letting them sink in a bit instead of pressing back and making things ache.

Dr. Leo Martinez, our Chief Medical Advisor and board-certified sleep specialist, says you should look for “contouring components” when picking a bed for pressure relief. “Those can be materials like memory foam or latex that mold to your body and let you settle in comfortably,” he explains. During testing, we scout for those materials and compare the build of the mattress to how it actually feels to lie on. Usually, we’ll spot whether a mattress eases pressure for side and back sleepers. Then we give it a rating out of 5.

A lot of people tend to heat up at night. Luckily, plenty of mattresses now come with cooling tech or breathable designs. Beds with coils usually sleep cooler since the coils let air flow through freely instead of getting trapped. All-foam mattresses can hold more heat, but that can be balanced out with cooling gels or covers made to stay cool to the touch.

We also use a thermal gun to test how well each mattress regulates temperature. We record the bed’s starting temp, then lie on it for 5 minutes, and measure it again afterward to see how much it warmed up. A rise of less than 5 degrees means awesome cooling, 5 to 10 degrees means solid cooling, 10 to 15 degrees means it’s okay, and anything over 15 degrees means the cooling could use some work.

A soft bed’s not worth much if it doesn’t back you up with decent support. As Dr. Martinez also pointed out, “If a mattress doesn’t keep things aligned, you’ll end up feeling sore and stiff.” We pay attention to something called “spinal alignment” to judge that support. Basically, it just means your back feels like it’s in its natural curve, not twisted or arched in weird ways. Usually, that’s a gentle S-shape that supports your lower back.

Dr. Martinez warns against going too soft since that “can throw your spine out of whack. That’s why most people do best on something medium-firm—it strikes a nice balance between cushion and structure.” Of course, a soft mattress can still be awesome for certain people—like those dealing with pain, side sleepers, or lighter folks who just can’t get comfy on firmer beds.

At Dweva Review Team, we score mattress firmness on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being squishy-soft and 10 being rock-hard. The industry usually lands around 6.5/10 as that “medium” sweet spot, so anything under that gets called soft. However, it’s pretty rare to find a bed below a 4—it’d be so soft it might just swallow you whole. That’s why we picked beds mostly in the 5–6 range for that true soft feel, or ones that come in multiple versions, including a Soft model.

If you’re looking to make your current mattress feel cushier without buying an entirely new one (since, let’s be honest, beds cost a fortune), you can snag a soft mattress topper to make your setup way comfier.

According to Dr. Martinez, memory foam is hands-down one of the best materials for wrapping around your body and giving that soft, supportive feel. When I was picking out soft mattresses, I looked for ones with thick memory foam comfort layers, plush quilted tops, or cushy pillow-top designs.

Alongside that, I made sure each mattress still had a solid support setup to keep the spine nice and neutral. Every mattress on this list has a support layer made of either strong steel coils or dense foam to hold everything steady.

One thing people often run into with super soft beds is that the edges don’t hold up all that well. When you sit near the side, a lot of plush mattresses kind of cave in, which makes it tougher to sit steady or lean over to tie your shoes without feeling like you’re sliding off. Also, when the edges aren’t sturdy, you end up losing usable space since parts of the bed just don’t feel solid or supportive enough. Luckily, plenty of brands fix this by adding a foam border or beefed-up perimeter coils to give those edges some strength. Keep an eye out for those features when you’re checking out how a soft mattress is built.

Some folks totally love that deep, sink-right-in vibe you get from a soft bed, but it can also make moving around feel a little tricky—like you’re kinda glued in place. That’s why a lot of soft mattresses mix in springier, quick-responding foams that still feel cozy and relieve pressure but also let you roll over or switch positions easily through the night.

Don’t just figure that a soft mattress automatically means it’s gonna be a perfect match. You still gotta make sure it’s built with good, sturdy foams so it actually holds up over time and doesn’t start dipping too soon. Dr. Riley Morgan, a licensed psychologist who focuses on sleep behavior, suggests swapping out your mattress every 5 to 10 years, or whenever it starts looking “clearly saggy or beat up in spots.” For tougher, longer-lasting choices, take a peek at our list of the best beds that won’t cave in.

The stuff a mattress’s made of really shapes how it feels and looks. Depending on your height, weight, how you like to sleep, and what your body needs for rest, one kind of mattress might just suit you better than another. Here’s a quick, no-fuss rundown of what to keep in mind about each type.

Latex

Latex has a springy, bouncy feel with a touch of sponge-like give. Its quick response keeps you from feeling stuck the way memory foam sometimes does, making it easier to move or flip positions. Latex tends to stay cooler than most foams, which makes it a solid pick for a sleepers who overheat or wake up sweaty. It’s also a natural material tapped from rubber trees, so it’s a good fit for people who have breathing sensitivities or want something eco-friendlier.

Latex beds usually give a firm, supportive surface that helps stomach sleepers keep their spine straight and avoid sinking too much. If the latex is too firm, though, it might not cushion enough, which can leave your chest or hips feeling sore or tense after a night’s sleep.

Memory Foam

Memory foam beds mold closely to your body and tend to ease a lot of pressure. Though old-school memory foam was famous for trapping heat, newer versions sleep cooler thanks to bigger air pockets in their design. The feel, firmness, and thickness of memory foam change depending on the brand, model, and price point. In general, moving around on memory foam takes a little more effort than on other materials.

Memory foam beds do a great job of hugging your shape, which helps take pressure off key areas and keeps the spine lined up right for sleepers. The downside is that memory foam can let your body sink too far down, which might throw your spine out of line and cause stiffness in your lower back or neck.

Innerspring

Classic spring mattresses use a framework of steel coils throughout the bed. Coils usually create a firmer, springier feel and offer solid support, though they can also spread movement more easily. Pocketed coils do better with motion control since each coil is wrapped separately in fabric.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses mix and match materials like coils, foams, and latex to blend support with comfort. They’re made in all kinds of firmness levels, from soft and plush to extra firm.

Hybrid beds often hit a nice balance between structure and cushioning. They offer enough firmness to keep a sleeper’s spine aligned, while still giving a little softness around the hips. Depending on the hybrid’s design, though, some may sink too much or create pressure points if the top layer is overly soft, which could mess with alignment and cause hip or back pain.

Most mattresses run somewhere between six and 14 inches thick. Latex and memory foam beds usually lean thinner, while hybrids and innerspring ones tend to be beefier because of all those coils inside.

Most folks like their mattress to land in that 10-to-14-inch sweet spot. Sleepers tipping the scale past 230 pounds might want a chunkier mattress that gives deeper compression support. Some slimmer beds pull it off with fancy foams or a super-thick comfort layer that can hold its own against a bulkier mattress, but overall, thicker ones usually hold up better and feel more solid than thinner ones.

Body weight plays a big role in what kind of mattress feels right. As Dr. Harris explains, “People who weigh less will usually think a mattress feels firmer than someone heavier would.”

Lighter sleepers (under 130 pounds) often go for softer beds that cushion the body without swallowing them up. Average-weight sleepers (between 130 and 230 pounds) usually do best with something in the medium to medium-firm range for balanced support. Heavier sleepers (over 230 pounds) tend to need firmer or hybrid mattresses that keep them lifted and supported through the night.

Your sleep position also shapes what firmness works best. Side sleepers, who need a little extra give for the shoulders and hips, usually prefer a softer bed—around a 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale. Back sleepers need proper spinal alignment, so they feel best on a medium-firm mattress—about 6.5 out of 10. Stomach sleepers, on the other hand, need something firmer—around a 7 or higher—to keep their hips from dipping too low and throwing their spine out of line.

Mattress prices are all over the place depending on what they’re made of and what extra features they include. For example, hybrids tend to cost more than most other types. Add-ons like motion isolation, adjustable firmness settings, or eco-friendly materials can also bump up the price tag.

Most queen-size beds range from a few hundred bucks to a few thousand, depending on build and quality. For context, the mattresses in this guide cost between $1,319 and $2,499 for a queen, before discounts. Generally, anything under $1,000 for a queen feels like a steal—but that doesn’t always mean top-notch quality. Check our value score or read other reviews to gauge how durable and comfy a bed really is.

Check out those lists for wallet-happy options.

• Best Mattresses Under $1,000
• Best Mattresses for the Money
• Best Cheap Mattresses
• Best Queen Mattresses

When shopping for a mattress, you’ll wanna stick with brands that treat their customers right—with good warranties, free shipping, and nice long trials. Nobody wants surprise fees when testing a new bed. To save you the trouble, we dug into the warranty, trial, and shipping info for all these beds.

Warranties: A warranty is basically the brand promising your bed won’t fall apart under normal use. It’s also a hint at how durable it is. Every company’s warranty is different, but we suggest sticking with 10-year to lifetime ones. Cheaper beds usually have shorter coverage, but that doesn’t always mean they’re bad deals. Just keep it in mind when comparing price, quality, and expected lifespan.

Shipping: The coolest part of buying online is having the bed show up right at your door. We made sure each one here ships free. Some brands offer “white-glove” delivery for extra cash—they’ll hand-deliver it, carry it to your room, unbox it, and take your old one away.

If you’re shopping across borders, shipping can get pricey, so we also checked out some top mattress picks to make things easier.

Sleep Trials: Trials are a must—they let you test your new bed for a set time before you’re stuck with it. Usually you get anywhere from 30 to 365 nights to figure out if it fits your sleep style and return it if not. For side sleepers, this is your shot to see if it eases pressure in the right spots and feels comfy enough for you and your partner.

The best soft mattresses are those that strike a good balance between pressure relief and support, usually ranking below a 6.5/10 on the firmness scale.

For some people, a soft mattress might be the way to go. This is especially true if you’re on the lighter side, since a softer surface is easier to sink into. Side sleepers might prefer a softer mattress too, as it can provide better pressure relief. And if you’ve got sensitive joints or pain issues, the way a soft mattress cradles your body can really help.

We suggest soft mattresses for folks who need that extra cushy, cloud-like padding around their pressure points. These beds usually work best for side sleepers since the softer foam layers gently hug the hips and shoulders, helping to keep pressure from building up. We also think soft mattresses can work for back sleepers, though anyone dealing with back pain might need something a bit firmer for better support.

People who like feeling more “on top of” the bed instead of “sinking into” it probably won’t be into that slow, contouring, body-hugging feel most soft mattresses give. We also don’t suggest really soft beds for stomach sleepers since they usually need a firmer setup to keep their hips from dipping lower than their shoulders. Sleepers over about 230 pounds might also notice that softer mattresses don’t hold them up quite as well.

When picking out a soft bed, make sure to check for labels like OEKO-TEX Standard 100 so you know it’s free of any sketchy or harmful materials. This is super important for foam mattresses since they tend to be the softer type. GREENGUARD Gold certification is another good sign—it means the mattress meets high standards for air quality and low chemical emissions. These kinds of certifications help you make sure your bed’s not just comfy, but also safe and made with quality materials.

Dr. Leo Martinez explained that softer mattresses can actually ease up joint pain by cushioning those tender areas. However, he warns against going too soft since that can mess with your spine alignment and even make chronic issues like arthritis worse.

In general, people who deal with back pain tend to do better on medium to firmer mattresses. If you’ve got back pain but still want that soft, cozy feel, we suggest going for a bed with a solid, sturdy support core and steering clear of overly plush pillow tops or thick quilted covers that could throw your spine out of whack.

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