Firm vs Soft Mattress

Is a soft or firm mattress better for your back? Learn why firmness level matters and how to choose the right one for you.

What's your idea of the perfect mattress?

Is it soft and pillow-y? Or firm and rigid? Maybe you're not sure yet (but you'll find out down below). What matters most is that your mattress gives you a great night's sleep every night.

To find your perfect fit, you might have to look beyond just soft and firm categories. Check out the pros and cons of each firmness below. Plus, learn how to pick a mattress that's just right for your body.

Differences Between Firm and Soft Mattresses

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Mattress firmness is rated on a scale of 1-10, from softest to firmest. Soft mattresses are fluffier and sink in when you lie on them. Firm mattresses are harder and have less give. Most people actually prefer something in the middle—about medium-firm.

The firmness scale is a great starting point to compare mattresses. But keep in mind that firmness is a very personal thing.

Different body types experience firmness differently. For example, a heavier person will find that many mattresses feel softer than their rating. That's because heavy people put more weight on the mattress, so it softens and sinks in.

In general, innerspring beds tend to be firmer, while foam beds are typically softer. But you can definitely find soft or firm mattresses of any type.

Some mattress brands actually have multiple firmness levels for you to choose from. The Saatva Classic, for example, comes in soft, medium-firm, and firm. If you're in the market for a comfortable innerspring mattress, be sure to check them out.

Why does firmness even matter when shopping for a new mattress? Find out below how your bed's firmness level affects your body.

Why Does Firmness Level Matter?

Mattress firmness is just about personal preference… right? Not always.

Firmness affects your spine alignment. And that's the number one factor for proper comfort and support.

When you lie on a mattress, your spine should rest in a neutral position. Otherwise, your body will curve unnaturally, which could cause aches and pains.

Here's how you can tell if your body's aligned when lying in bed:

• Side sleepers: You can draw a straight line through your head, spine, and tailbone.
  
• Back sleepers: You can draw a straight line through your head, shoulders, hips, and ankles.
• Stomach sleepers: The front of your body lies flat with no dipping under the hips.

It can be tricky deciding between soft and firm mattresses. Keep reading to learn how to choose the right firmness level for your sleeping style and body type.

Firm Mattress Pros and Cons

A firm mattress can be a great choice, especially if you're on the heavier side. If you're looking for a bed that stays rigid, here's what you can expect:

Pros

• Distributes your weight evenly
  
• Great for back and stomach sleepers
  
• Offers good support for heavy people
  
• Prevents your lower back from sinking
  
• Tends to sleep cooler

Cons

• Can cut off circulation if too hard
  
• Feels uncomfortable if you're not used to it
  
• Often too rigid for petite sleepers
  
• Can worsen back problems like arthritis, scoliosis, etc.
  
• Not enough contouring for some sleepers

Who Should Try a Firm Mattress?

• Heavy people over 200-250 lbs
  
• Heavy couples
  
• Stomach sleepers

Not everyone wants a super-firm mattress. Find out what a soft mattress can offer you below.

Soft Mattress Pros and Cons

Sinking into a soft bed feels extra comfortable for some. But mattresses aren't one-size-fits-all. Here's what to look out for when you get a soft mattress:

Pros

• Relieves pressure points
  
• Great for side sleepers
  
• Offers good support for petite people
  
• Cozy feel, especially with a pillow top
  
• Contours the body

Cons

• Can cause hips to sink too much
  
• Makes back problems worse for heavy people
  
• Some soft mattresses wear down faster
  
• Tends to sleep warmer
  
• Couples might experience dips in the mattress

Who Should Try a Soft Mattress?

• Petite people under 135 lbs
  
• Side sleepers
  
• Pressure-relief seekers

Do I Need a Soft or Firm Mattress?

Everyone's body is different. But there's a chance you might like something other than a firm or soft mattress. Many people actually sleep best on a medium-firm mattress. It's the most versatile firmness level that can work with any sleep position.

Your body type and sleep preferences dictate what firmness you'll feel most comfortable in. If you don't know where to start, see where you fall on this table:

This is a great starting point if you're new to mattress shopping. For the most customized sleep, look for companies like Saatva that offer multiple firmness levels. Having those options will help you pick a bed that's suited for your body.

But how can you be sure if your bed is actually giving you the best support? Find out how to check your comfort and support next.

Is My Mattress Right for Me?

A good mattress provides comfort and support. Comfort is the level of cushioning you feel around your pressure points. Support is how well your mattress keeps your spine aligned.

To figure out if your mattress has good support, lie on the mattress and ask yourself:

• Side and back sleepers: Do my shoulders and hips gently sink into the mattress while my lower back stays supported?
  
• Stomach sleepers: Does the front of my body lie flat without any sagging?

If the answer is yes, congratulations! Your mattress provides good support. If not, you might need a firmer mattress if your body sags into the mattress. If you feel a lot of pressure on your body, your mattress is probably too firm.

To see if there's enough comfort, ask yourself:

• Are my limbs falling asleep?
  
• Is there any discomfort in my shoulders or hips?

If yes, try a softer mattress to take the load off your pressure points. If not, you can go as firm as you'd like as long as it isn't uncomfortable.

Wake up with back pain that goes away after stretching for 15-30 minutes in the morning? This is a sign that it's time for a new mattress.

Bottom Line

Firmness is just one factor in choosing the right mattress.

You might've heard that firm mattresses are better for your back, but that's not true for everyone. Your weight, sleeping position, and lifestyle all contribute to the firmness you need.

You'll have much more success finding a good mattress if you listen to your body and shop for your sleep preferences.

Look for a mattress that takes pressure off your body and keeps your spine aligned. You might find that you don't need an extra firm or extra soft mattress at all. Medium-firm mattresses can be a fantastic choice.