How to Choose Mattress Firmness

6 Tips on How to Choose Mattress Firmness for Perfect Sleep Every Night


Key takeaways

• Mattress firmness is how soft or firm a mattress feels, and the right level depends on your body, sleep position, and comfort needs.  
• Side sleepers need softer mattresses, back sleepers do best with medium-firm, and stomach sleepers should stick to firm for support.  
• Always test a mattress in-store or during a trial period to see if it truly fits your sleep style and avoids morning aches.  

Often wake up sore, stiff, or exhausted? It’s frustrating, especially when you’ve technically had enough sleep. 

The culprit might be your mattress firmness — or lack of it.  

The right mattress can make or break your sleep quality. But how do you figure out what firmness works best for you? 

These simple tips will help you zero in on the perfect level of support so you can finally get the rest you deserve.  

What does mattress firmness really mean?  

Mattress firmness refers to how hard or soft a mattress feels when you lie down.

Think comfort and support (not just surface texture).  

But there’s no universal rating system. One brand’s “medium” could feel completely different from another’s. 

That’s why labels only tell part of the story. Your personal experience matters more.  

Firmness isn’t about how expensive the mattress is or what’s trending. 

A good fit depends on your body type, sleep style, and preferences. 

1 — Decide between soft, medium, or firm

When you choose between soft, medium, and firm, think about your sleeping habits and body type. Here’s what each option offers:  

Soft mattresses — They cradle your body and reduce pressure. If you’re a side sleepers, you’ll love this because your shoulders and hips sink comfortably. 

However, soft mattresses aren’t always ideal if you’re on the heavier side — they can compress too much and lose support over time.  

Medium mattresses — Think of this as middle ground. You get support without sacrificing comfort. If you’re a combo sleepers (or if you often switch positions) you’ll love medium mattresses because they adapt well. 

Couples also find them a safe bet since they meet in the middle — no fighting over who gets their way.  

Firm mattresses — These keep you stable and prevent sinking. Stomach sleepers benefit most because firmer options stop the midsection from sagging, which keeps the spine aligned. 

Back sleepers and those over 230 lbs may also enjoy firmer beds for extra support and durability.  

If you’re unsure, start with medium. It’s versatile and tends to work for most people.  

2 — Match your mattress firmness to how you sleep 

Your sleeping position influences how pressure is distributed across your body — and what firmness you need.  

Side sleepers — Most of your weight is concentrated on narrower points like shoulders and hips.

A soft to medium-soft mattress cushions these areas and prevents discomfort. Anything too firm might create painful pressure spots.  

Back sleepers — Spinal alignment is important here. Go for a medium-firm mattress that supports your natural curve but doesn’t let you sink too far. 

A soft mattress can strain your lower back by throwing off alignment.  

Stomach sleepers — This position needs strong support to avoid collapsing at the hips. 

A firm mattress helps maintain proper posture and reduces strain on your back.  

Combo sleepers — If you rotate between positions, think about flexibility. 

Medium firmness accommodates shifting pressure points without being too extreme on either end.  

Remember, listen to your body. If you wake up stiff or achey, this is usually a sign your mattress isn’t matching your sleep style.  

3 — Consider your weight and height  

Your weight directly affects how a mattress feels. Heavier individuals compress mattresses more, while lighter sleepers tend to float on top.  

Here’s a rough guide: 
Under 130 lbs — Softer mattresses are better for lightweight individuals. Firmer beds might not compress enough, this’ll leave you feeling uncomfortable.  

130–230 lbs — Medium or medium-firm options strike the right balance. You’ll get both support and comfort without feeling stuck.  

Over 230 lbs — Opt for firmer mattresses designed to handle more weight. They offer durability, resist sagging, and still deliver support.  

Height matters, too. Tall sleepers should make sure the mattress length fits them. Nobody wants to sleep with their feet hanging off the edge — it’s not fun or restful. 

Look for longer sizes like a king or California king if you’re over six feet tall.  

4 — Test your mattress before you commit

What feels great for five minutes in a showroom might drive you crazy after eight hours of sleep.  

If you’re shopping in-store, take your time. Lie down in your usual sleep position for at least 10–15 minutes. Ignore the sales pitches and focus on how the mattress actually feels.  

Shopping online? No problem. Many companies offer trial periods (typically 90 nights or more). 

This lets you try the mattress at home and see how it performs night after night. Make sure there’s an easy return policy in case it doesn’t work out.  

Adjusting to a new mattress takes time. Give yourself at least two weeks to settle in before deciding if it’s the right fit. Immediate impressions don’t always tell the whole story.  

5 — Avoid these mistakes when picking firmness  

It’s easy to go wrong when choosing a mattress. Steer clear of these pitfalls:  

Judging too fast — Comfort changes over hours, not minutes. Take your time testing options.  

Chasing trends — Just because everyone loves ultra-plush doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Stick to your own needs.  

Skipping research — Understand your sleep style and body type to avoid costly mistakes.  

Ignoring pain signals — Back pain, hip soreness, or stiffness won’t disappear with the wrong mattress. Pay attention to your body’s cues.  

Focusing on price alone — Expensive doesn’t always mean better. A higher price tag doesn’t guarantee the right firmness for you.  

Choose wisely, and don’t compromise on long-term comfort.  

6 — Find a happy medium

If you’re stuck between soft, medium, or firm, consider flexible options like adjustable or hybrid mattresses.  

Adjustable mattresses — These allow you to customise firmness on each side. Perfect for couples who have opposing preferences. 

Hybrid mattresses — These combine memory foam and innerspring coils. They offer the plush feel of foam with the added support of coils. 

Hybrids are a great choice if you want something versatile but can’t commit to one firmness level.  

These options give you more control and reduce buyer’s remorse.  

Find your perfect firmness and improve your sleep  

Finding the right mattress firmness isn’t rocket science, but it does require some thought. 

Think about how you sleep, your weight, and any health concerns. Test out options, whether in person or through a trial period, and don’t rush into a decision.  

With the right firmness, you’ll sleep deeper, wake up refreshed, and wonder why you didn’t upgrade sooner. Rest easy — you’re closer than ever to finding your perfect match.