A guide to choosing the firmness to fit your sleep style.
When choosing the right mattress, one of the first things to consider is your preferred sleeping position.
Side Sleepers — Softer to Medium
74% of people sleep on their sides. This sleep position possesses more stressed pressure points at the hips and shoulders. Side sleepers typically need a soft or medium mattress with a firmness scale ranging from 2–7, contouring to the curves on the side of the body, providing even support for spinal alignment and cushioning these areas.
Back Sleepers — Medium to Supportive
These sleepers are able to sleep well on a wide range of medium to firm mattresses, ranging between 4 and 8 on the firmness scale.
Stomach Sleepers — Medium-Firm to Firm
Most stomach sleepers prefer a medium-comfort mattress with a firmness scale ranging between 5 and 7.
Body weight and personal preference also affect how soft or firm a mattress will feel.
Lighter Sleepers
- Often remain closer to the upper comfort layers instead of sinking deeply into the mattress.
- May prefer softer, more conforming layers that respond with less body weight.
- A very firm mattress may feel harder to a lighter sleeper than it does to a heavier sleeper.
Average-Weight Sleepers
- Often do well with a balanced combination of cushioning and support.
- Sleeping position becomes especially important when choosing between soft, medium and supportive constructions.
- A medium or medium-firm mattress can accommodate a broad range of sleeping preferences.
Heavier Sleepers
- Typically compress the comfort layers more deeply and engage more of the supportive foam underneath.
- May prefer a more supportive construction that helps distribute body weight evenly.
- A thicker or denser support system may help reduce excessive sinking while maintaining pressure relief.
Personal Preference Matters
Comfort is subjective. Two people of the same size and sleeping position may prefer different mattress constructions. Consider the surface you currently sleep well on and whether you prefer a gently cushioned, balanced or more supportive feel.
Ideal Mattress Firmness
The right mattress firmness should provide conforming support while helping keep your spine naturally aligned in a relaxed position. A mattress that is too soft may allow the lower back and hips to sink too deeply, while a mattress that is too firm may create uncomfortable pressure around the shoulders, hips and other sensitive areas. Your ideal comfort level depends on your sleeping position, body weight and personal preference.
