Firm or soft? There’s no single “best” firmness. The right mattress keeps your spine in a natural line while cushioning the parts of you that press hardest into the bed, and that depends on how you sleep, your body weight and whether you share the bed. Here’s how to choose the right mattress firmness, with a simple guide by sleeping position.
The quick answer
- Side sleepers: medium soft to medium firm, so your shoulders and hips can sink in slightly.
- Back sleepers: medium firm, for even support under the lower back.
- Stomach sleepers: firm, so your hips don’t sink and arch your back.
- Not sure, or sharing the bed? Medium firm suits the widest range of sleepers.
How mattress firmness is measured
Firmness is usually rated on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is very soft and 10 is very firm. Every mattress on our site shows its rating.
| Firmness | Feel | Our mattresses |
|---|---|---|
| 4–6 / 10 (soft to medium soft) | You sink in and feel cradled | The Nuloft (6/10) |
| 7 / 10 (medium firm) | Supportive with a cushioned top; suits most people | Nuloft Hybrid, Nuloft Luxe, Dorme Cloudform |
| 8 / 10 (firm) | You rest on top, with little sinking | Nuloft Orthofirm, Dorme Firmhaven |
| 9 / 10 (extra firm) | Very solid support | Dorme Ecoposture |
You can also browse every mattress by firmness, from 6/10 to 8/10.
Firm vs soft mattress: pros and cons
| Firmer mattress | Softer mattress | |
|---|---|---|
| Feels like | Resting on top of the bed | Sinking into the bed |
| Good at | Keeping hips level, easy to move and get up | Cushioning shoulders and hips, pressure relief |
| Watch out for | Can press on shoulders and hips for side sleepers | Hips can sink too far for back and stomach sleepers |
| Best for | Stomach and back sleepers, heavier bodies | Side sleepers, lighter bodies |
Choose by sleeping position
Side sleepers
Your shoulder and hip carry most of your weight. On a mattress that’s too firm, they press hard into the surface and your spine bends. A medium soft to medium firm mattress with a cushioning top, like The Nuloft or the Nuloft Hybrid, lets them sink in just enough.
Back sleepers
You need support under the lower back so it doesn’t sag, with enough cushioning to stay comfortable. Medium firm is usually right. Zoned support, such as the 5-zone pocket springs in the Nuloft Luxe and Nuloft Orthofirm, is firmer under the lower back and hips.
Stomach sleepers
On a soft mattress your hips sink and your lower back arches. A firm mattress keeps you level. Try the Nuloft Orthofirm or Dorme Firmhaven.
Combination sleepers
If you change position through the night, a responsive medium firm mattress makes turning over easy. Latex and pocket spring hybrids respond quickly. Browse latex mattresses and pocketed spring mattresses.
Other things that affect firmness
- Body weight. Heavier people sink further into any mattress, so they often feel more supported on a firmer one. Lighter people may find a firm mattress too hard.
- Sharing the bed. If you and your partner prefer different feels, medium firm is the usual compromise. Pocket springs also reduce disturbance when one of you moves.
- Heat. Very soft mattresses wrap more of your body, which can feel warmer. See our cooling mattress guide.
- The bed frame. A sagging or uneven base can make any mattress feel softer than it is. See our bed frame and mattress pairing guide.
Is a firm mattress better for back pain?
Not always. A mattress that’s too firm can press on your shoulders and hips, while one that’s too soft lets your spine sag. Many people with back discomfort find a medium firm mattress with good support under the lower back works well. Everyone is different, so if you have ongoing back pain, check with your doctor or physiotherapist.
Try it at home for 100 nights
Firmness is personal, and a few minutes in a showroom isn’t the same as a full night’s sleep. Nuloft mattresses in Singapore sizes come with a 100-night trial, so you can find out at home. Shop Nuloft mattresses or all mattresses. Orders over $300 get free delivery and assembly.
FAQ
Is it better to sleep on a firm or soft mattress?
It depends on how you sleep. Side sleepers usually prefer medium soft to medium firm, back sleepers medium firm, and stomach sleepers firm. Medium firm suits the most people.
What does 7/10 firmness mean?
It’s medium firm: supportive, with a cushioned top layer and no sinking feeling. It’s the most popular firmness because it suits most sleeping positions.
How do I know if my mattress is too firm?
You wake up with sore shoulders or hips, especially if you sleep on your side, or you feel like you’re lying on the mattress rather than in it.
How do I know if my mattress is too soft?
You wake up with a stiff lower back, feel like you’re sinking into a dip, or find it hard to turn over or get out of bed.
Can I make a firm mattress softer?
A mattress topper can add a softer layer on top. If the mattress is new, give it a few weeks, since most mattresses soften slightly as they settle.