What Mattress Firmness Should I Choose?

Choosing the right mattress firmness is an important part of finding a comfortable and supportive mattress. Mattress firmness describes how soft or firm a mattress feels when you lie down on it.

Different sleepers prefer different levels of firmness depending on factors such as sleeping position, body weight, and personal comfort preferences. A mattress that provides the right balance of comfort and support can help maintain natural alignment of the spine during sleep.

In this guide, our sleep experts explain what mattress firmness means, how firmness levels are typically described, and how to choose the firmness that may suit your sleeping style.

What Does Mattress Firmness Mean?

Mattress firmness refers to how much the mattress surface compresses when weight is applied.

A softer mattress allows the body to sink further into the comfort layers, while a firmer mattress offers more resistance and keeps the body more supported on the surface.

Many mattress manufacturers describe firmness using a firmness scale, which helps explain how the mattress may feel.

Mattress Firmness Guide

Although firmness can vary slightly between manufacturers, mattresses are often described within the following general categories.

Soft
Provides a plush feel and allows more sink into the mattress surface

Medium
Offers a balance of cushioning and support

Medium-Firm
Provides slightly firmer support while still offering comfort layers

Firm
Offers a more supportive surface with less sink

Personal comfort preferences can influence which firmness feels most comfortable.

Mattress Firmness and Sleeping Position

Sleeping position can influence the level of firmness that feels most supportive.

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers often benefit from mattresses that provide enough cushioning to support the shoulders and hips while maintaining spinal alignment. Medium or medium-soft mattresses are commonly preferred.

Back Sleepers

Back sleepers typically benefit from mattresses that support the natural curve of the spine while providing balanced comfort. Medium to medium-firm mattresses are often suitable.

Front Sleepers

Front sleepers may prefer firmer mattresses that help keep the hips from sinking too deeply into the mattress surface.

Mattress Firmness and Body Weight

Body weight can also affect how firm a mattress feels.

Lighter sleepers may find softer mattresses comfortable because they compress the mattress less.

Heavier sleepers may prefer firmer mattresses that provide additional support and prevent excessive sink.

Considering body weight alongside sleeping position can help guide firmness choice.

Mattress Materials and Firmness

Different mattress materials can influence how firmness feels during sleep.

For example:

• Pocket spring mattresses provide supportive structure with responsive comfort layers

• Memory foam mattresses contour closely to the body and may feel softer initially

• Latex mattresses provide responsive support with a slightly firmer feel

• Hybrid mattresses combine springs and foam layers for balanced comfort and support

Understanding mattress materials can help explain why different mattresses feel firmer or softer.

Personal Comfort Preference

While sleeping position and body weight are helpful guides, personal comfort preference also plays an important role in choosing mattress firmness.

Some sleepers prefer a softer, more cushioned feel, while others prefer a firmer and more supportive sleeping surface.

Trying different firmness levels can help determine which option feels most comfortable for you.

Expert Advice from Land of Beds

At Land of Beds, our sleep experts often recommend considering sleeping position, body weight, and comfort preference when choosing mattress firmness.

Finding the right balance between comfort and support can help maintain proper sleep posture and improve overall sleep comfort.

Exploring different mattress types and firmness levels can help you find the mattress that suits your individual sleep needs.

Need Help Choosing the Right Mattress Firmness?

Finding the right mattress firmness can sometimes feel difficult, especially when considering sleeping position, body weight, and personal comfort preferences.

If you would like expert guidance, the team at Land of Beds is always happy to help. Our bed and mattress specialists can talk you through different mattress types and firmness levels to help you find the option that suits you best.

You can explore our full range of mattresses online or visit one of our Land of Beds stores to try different mattresses in person.