How Firm Should My Mattress Be?

Choosing the right mattress firmness is key to good sleep and waking up without pain. The firmness of a mattress determines how hard or soft it feels when you lie on it. While a mattress that's too firm or too soft can lead to discomfort, finding the right balance helps support your body correctly, align your spine and reduce aches.

Choosing a firm mattress depends on personal factors like weight, shape, and sleep position. It's a subjective decision, as everyone feels mattress firmness differently. But don't worry — there are general guidelines and benchmarks to help you decide how firm your mattress should be.

In this guide, we'll discuss the different mattress firmness levels and share tips for finding the perfect mattress for pain-free, restful sleep.

What is Mattress Firmness?

Mattress firmness is how a mattress feels when you lie on it. Do you sink into it or feel it push back? Does it mold your body or leave you resting on top? These questions can help you decide if a mattress is soft, medium-firm, or firm.

Many people use 'firmness' and 'comfort' as if they mean the same, but comfort varies from person to person. The idea of a perfect 'cloud-like' mattress isn't practical for everyone, as very soft mattresses may not suit all sleepers. Your suitable firmness depends on your sleeping position, weight, health, and whether you share the bed.

Mattresses are often rated on a firmness scale from 1 to 10, where 1 is very soft (like sleeping on a cotton ball), and 10 is very firm (like sleeping on concrete). A score of 6.5 is considered medium firmness. Let's now look at what soft, medium-firm, and firm mattresses feel like.

Soft Mattress

Soft mattresses usually score between 3 and 6 on the firmness scale. They have comfort layers from materials like quilted pillow tops or thick memory foam. These materials create a soft feel with deep sinkage, body contouring, and good pressure relief.

With a soft mattress, you won't feel much pushback; instead, you'll feel like you're sinking into the bed rather than just lying on top. Soft mattresses are popular for side sleepers or anyone who needs extra comfort at the shoulders, hips, and lower back. They offer a cozy, cushioned feel that molds your body and helps reduce pressure points.

Medium-firm Mattress

Medium-firm mattresses usually score around 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale. They have a soft foam top layer and a stronger high-density poly foam or pocketed coil base. This combination offers a good balance of comfort and support, making them popular with many sleepers. Some medium-firm mattresses, like a 6 out of 10, may feel softer or firmer.

A medium-firm mattress might allow you to sink in slightly, but you'll mostly feel supported and lifted. This makes medium-firm mattresses a good choice for combination or back sleepers who need more mobility.

Firm Mattress

Firm mattresses score 7 out of 10 or higher on the firmness scale. They don't use soft materials in the top layers; instead, they have a thin layer of soft foam over high-density poly foam or springs. This makes them very supportive.

With a firm mattress, your body stays on top of the bed and feels a strong pushback. Firm mattresses are recommended for stomach sleepers and heavier people who need more support and sturdier surfaces.

How Firm Should A Mattress Be?

A mattress should be as firm or soft as you need it to be to reduce pressure points, keep your spine properly aligned while you sleep, and make sure you’re comfortable enough to stay asleep all night.

After testing many beds, here are the best firmness levels for different types of sleepers:

Back Sleepers

Back sleepers benefit from a medium-firm mattress. This level provides enough support to keep your spine aligned but isn't so hard that it causes discomfort. A medium-firm mattress will help prevent back pain and support the natural curve of your lower back.

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers need a mattress that's softer or medium-firm. This mattress helps relieve pressure on your hips and shoulders, which can become sore if there isn't enough cushioning. A softer mattress lets your body sink in slightly, providing better comfort and reducing the chances of waking up with aches.

Stomach Sleepers

A firmer mattress is the way to go if you sleep on your stomach. It helps keep your spine aligned, preventing your back from sinking too much and causing pain. Stomach sleepers should avoid very soft mattresses, which can lead to back issues and poor posture.

Combination Sleepers

If you switch positions throughout the night, you need a mattress that balances support and comfort. A medium-firm mattress is often the best choice because it provides enough support for back sleeping while still being soft enough for side sleeping.

Choosing Firmness Based on Your Body Weight 

Your body weight plays a big role in determining the right mattress firmness.

• Light Sleepers (under 130 lbs): You'll likely prefer a softer mattress if your weight is under 130. A mattress that is too firm may feel uncomfortable and prevent proper contouring.
• Average-Weight Sleepers (130-230 lbs): This range typically works well with a medium-firm mattress. It offers the right support and comfort balance.
• Heavier Sleepers (over 230 lbs): A firmer mattress can help prevent sinking too far, providing the support you need. Without enough support, heavier sleepers may find themselves uncomfortable and restless during the night.

Health Considerations for Mattress Firmness

If you have any specific health concerns, these can influence your choice of mattress:

• Back Pain: People with back pain need a mattress offering enough support to align the spine. Medium-firm to firm mattresses are generally best for back pain sufferers. Choosing the wrong firmness can lead to discomfort, and a mattress causing back pain can occur if it's too soft or too firm for your body and sleeping position.
• Joint Pain: Softer mattresses may be better for joint pain since they cushion pressure points. It can help prevent the stiffness and soreness associated with joint pain.
• Pressure Relief: If you're prone to pressure ulcers or spend a lot of time in bed, a mattress that offers good pressure relief and support is crucial. A mattress that contours to your body helps distribute weight evenly.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right firmness for your mattress is important for a good night's sleep and overall health. Your body type, sleep position, and health issues should help you decide. A firm mattress can make a difference, helping you wake up feeling refreshed and comfortable. Don't underestimate how mattress firmness affects your comfort—choose the one that suits you best.

Frequently Asked Questions