Looking for a new mattress? Use this guide to mattress firmness to help you make the best investment in the right mattress!
If you’ve spent any time looking for a new mattress, you’ve likely asked what mattress firmness is and what level of firmness you should get to ensure a great night’s sleep. Different types of sleepers will have a preference on mattress firmness based on preferred sleeping position, body weight, pillow loft, and other factors.
If you want to gain a better understanding of how mattress firmness will impact sleep, read our mattress firmness guide here for more information so you can make the best choice of firmness range based on your needs and preferences.
What is Mattress Firmness?
First, lets answer what mattress firmness is. The level of firmness in your mattress refers to how hard or soft it feels. Some mattress manufacturers may use their own methods to define firmness, however, we’ll use the common 10-point scale as a mattress firmness guide:
| Mattress Firmness Level | Description |
| 9-10 | Extra firm – Mattresses will have no sinkage and next to no conforming. |
| 7-9 | Firm – These mattresses will almost not sink at all and will have very little conforming to the body. |
| 6 | Medium firm – If you’re looking for something a bit firmer, these mattresses sink little, but moderately conform to the body. |
| 5 | Medium – Mattresses on the market that are numbered a “5” will sink less, yet still conform somewhat closely. A good balance between soft and firm. |
| 4 | Medium soft – These mattresses sink some and conform closely to your body. |
| 2-3 | Soft – With soft mattress levels, you’ll notice that its surface will sink considerably. |
| 1 | Extra soft – these mattresses are the softest you’ll find on the market. They conform close to the sleeper’s body and sink significantly. |
Different Levels of Mattress Firmness: In Detail
Firm to Extra Firm (7-10 out of 10)
Firm to Extra Firm mattresses are for those sleepers who need excellent support, or for those who are stomach sleepers. Expect an even plane and sturdy feel with little to no sinkage from a Firm or Extra Firm mattress.
- Conforming – If a Firm to Extra Firm mattress is your choice, expect little to almost no conforming at all. Mattresses of this level of firmness will not closely contour to the sleeper’s body. If you are a side sleeper (especially if you weigh below 230 pounds), you may experience pressure buildup around your shoulders and hips.
- Pricing – Due to having less materials, Firm and Extra Firm mattresses are typically less expensive than their softer counterparts.
- Support – When it comes to support, Firm and Extra Firm mattresses are going to be your best bet. These mattresses are excellent for sleepers who weight 230+ pounds, who are stomach sleepers, or who want to promote proper spinal alignment as much as possible.
- Temperature – Due to having less sinkage, these mattress types are less likely to trap and contain heat. Air flow is freer, and warmth can more easily dissipate.
Medium Soft to Medium Firm (4-6 out of 10)
Mattresses that are between Medium Soft and Medium Firm (Levels 4 to 6) are, for many sleepers, the perfect range of firmness. They are often the best choice for most body weight types and sleeping preferences.
- Conforming – Mattresses that are between Medium Soft and Medium Firm have a medium range of conforming and contouring of the body.
- Pricing – Due to having a less significant comfort system than more Soft or Extra Soft models, you can expect prices to be lower. In addition, since these models tend to be most popular, you can expect competitive prices and plenty of brand, size, and models to choose from.
- Support – These mattresses provide moderate support (but not as much as Firm or Extra Firm models), but more sinkage and contouring (but not as much as Soft or Extra Soft models). As a result, a large percentage of sleepers will choose a mattress from this firmness range since they can enjoy a good balance of both support and contouring.
- Temperature – These mattress types do not contour the body as tightly, so they won’t trap as much heat as with Soft or Extra Soft models.
Extra Soft to Soft (1-3 out of 10)
For side sleepers, or for those who are weight under 130 pounds, Extra Soft to Soft mattresses may be the best option. As you browse online, you may find these mattresses labeled as “Plush” to describe their level of firmness. These mattresses provide exceptional softness and contouring.
- Conforming – Soft and Extra Soft mattresses will be the best options when it comes to conforming close to the body. This can help to relieve pressure points and may give the feeling of a “hugging” sensation.
- Pricing – With thicker comfort layers, or materials like latex or memory foam included in their designs, you can expect a higher overall price for Soft and Extra Soft models.
- Support – Of the mattress types available on the market, overall, Soft and Extra Soft mattresses provide the least support. Those who weight more than 130 pounds, or who are back or stomach sleepers may sink too deeply into the mattress. Be sure to choose a mattress that will provide appropriate spinal alignment for the best night’s sleep.
- Temperature – The softest mattresses tend to more frequently trap heat.
How to Know What the Right Level of Firmness Is for You
There are quite a few factors involved in choosing the right level of firmness. Some of these include:
1. Body weight
How much you weight will likely be a factor to what surface you find most comfortable to sleep on. Use the table below as a general guide to mattress firmness:
| Weight Range | Firmness Preference | Recommended Firmness |
| 130 pounds or less | Sleepers who are 130 pounds or less are likely to prefer softer and more conforming mattresses. | Soft (2-3)Medium Soft (2-3)Medium (5) |
| Between 130 and 230 pounds | Sleepers who are between 130 and 230 pounds are likely to prefer a balance between a gently conforming mattress with a bit more support. | Medium Soft (4)Medium (5)Medium Firm (6) |
| More than 230 pounds | Sleepers above 230 pounds are likely to prefer firmer surfaces that provide better spinal support. | Medium Firm (6)Firm (7-8)Extra Firm (9-10) |
2. Sleeping position
Another critical deciding factor is sleeping position. Sleepers tend to fall in one of four categories: side, back, stomach, and combination sleepers.
| Sleeping Position Preference | Recommended Firmness |
| Side Sleeping | Are you a side sleeper? Side sleepers may tend to put pressure on their hips and shoulders during the night. As a result, many sleepers who prefer to sleep on their side may enjoy a softer mattress. However, you will want to choose a mattress that still provides plenty of support to promote good posture. Choose a mattress between a firmness level of 2 (Soft) and 7 (Firm). |
| Back Sleeping | Back sleepers typically need a bit more of a firmer mattress that doesn’t sag in the middle. As a result, you’ll want plenty of support while also benefiting from a bit of cradling to help keep your spine in a neutral position. Choose a mattress between a firmness level of 3 (Soft) and 8 (Firm). |
| Stomach Sleeping | Stomach sleepers typically prefer firmer mattress models. Your choice of mattress will depend on your body weight. We recommend you shop for a mattress that is firmer to help prevent an unnatural arch in your lower back. Choose a mattress between a firmness level of 3 (Soft) and 8 (Firm). |
| Combination Sleeping | Combination sleepers will change sleeping positions throughout the night. As a result, if you are a combination sleeper, you’ll want a mattress firmness level that is moderate, providing both support and contouring. Choose a mattress between a firmness level of 3 (Soft) and 8 (Firm). |
3. Pillow Loft
Another third, important factor to mattress choice is pillow loft. Your pillow works with your mattress to provide the most optimal sleep possible. High-loft pillows are thicker, while low-loft pillows are thinner options.
As you shop, you’ll find that pillows that are made of sturdier materials like memory foam or latex are less likely to compress when compared with pillows made from down or polyester. Keep this in mind while shopping for your new pillow and mattress.
Below is a guide for understanding pillow loft and which level of mattress firmness you should choose:
| Mattress Firmness Level | Compatibility with Low-Loft Pillows (Less Than 3”) | Compatibility with Medium-Loft Pillows (3-5”) | Compatibility with High-Loft Pillows (Over 5”) |
| 1-3 (Extra Soft to Soft) | Good to Very Good | Fair to Good | Poor |
| 4-6 (Medium Soft to Medium Firm) | Fair to Good | Good to Very Good | Fair to Good |
| 7-10 (Firm to Extra Firm) | Poor | Fair to Good | Good to Very Good |
Shop Mattresses Online
Best Furniture Deals is your online source for mattresses from high quality brands like Jamison, Mlily, Reverie, Royal Sleep, and more. Now that you have a better understanding of mattress firmness and what level(s) will suit you and your partner best, you can now make the right choice of mattress. Please refer to our guide to mattress firmness for questions and answers, however, if you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our mattress experts.
At Best Furniture Deals, we focus on friendly, no-pressure customer service and are interested in helping you choose the right mattress. Please give our team a call today at (800) 593-2337 or read here for more information.