Firm vs. Medium vs. Soft: Which Mattress Suits You Best?
Ever wake up feeling sore, stiff, or just not well-rested? The mattress you sleep on plays a huge role in how you feel in the morning. If it’s too soft, your body might sink in too much. If it’s too firm, it could leave you feeling achy. Finding the right balance is important, but with so many options, it can get confusing. What feels comfortable at first might not support your body the way it should. That’s why it helps to understand how different mattresses feel and what works best for your sleep needs.
Understanding Mattress Firmness Levels
Picking the right mattress comes down to how firm or soft you want it to feel. Mattress firmness is rated on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. To make things simple, let’s start from the firmest option and work our way down.
Firm Mattresses:
These are mattresses that we might consider “hard” to the touch or the ones that don’t have much give. There are different levels of hard firmness as well.
Firm (8-10 on the firmness scale)
Firm mattresses offer strong support with very little sinkage. The surface feels solid and keeps the body well-supported throughout the night. If you don’t like the feeling of sinking into the bed and prefer a sturdy sleeping surface, this option might be more comfortable.
Types of Firm Mattresses:
-
Orthopedic Mattress: Designed for those with back pain or spinal issues, these mattresses provide firm support to keep the spine in a neutral position.
Upgrade to a firm mattress that truly supports you. Try the Flo Orthopedic Mattress, rated 4.4 out of 5, and feel the difference every night.
- Innerspring Mattress: Uses coils for a sturdy and supportive structure. It offers a firm feel with minimal cushioning.
Ideal for:
- People with back pain or spinal issues
- Back and stomach sleepers
- People who prefer a stable and supportive surface
- Those who experience discomfort on softer beds
- People with heavier body weight
Medium-Firm Mattress (5-7 on the firmness scale)
One of the most popular choices, medium-firm mattresses offer a balance between softness and support. They provide enough firmness to keep your spine aligned while still having some cushioning for comfort. This is a great middle-ground option if you like a firm mattress but still want a little plushness.
Types of Medium-Firm Mattresses:
- Latex Mattress – Naturally supportive and slightly bouncy, without too much sinkage.
- Hybrid Mattress – A mix of coils and foam or latex, offering both support and some cushioning.
- Innerspring Medium-Firm Mattress – Similar to a traditional innerspring but with a slightly softer top layer.
Ideal for:
- Back and combination sleepers who change positions at night
- People who want a mix of support and comfort
- Those who experience discomfort on very soft or very firm beds
Think a medium mattress is just the right fit for your needs? Experience the perfect balance of comfort and support with our Flo Anti Gravity™ Latex Mattress.
Soft Mattresses
There are also several levels of soft mattresses.
Medium-Soft (4-5 on the firmness scale)
This option balances softness and support. The surface is still gentle, but it provides better support than plush mattresses. If you like a soft feel but also want a bit of firmness to maintain comfort, a medium-soft mattress could be the right fit.
Soft or Plush (3-4 on the firmness scale)
If you love the feeling of sinking into your bed, a soft mattress might be for you. These mattresses hug your body and provide deep cushioning while still offering some stability.
Extra Soft (1-2 on the firmness scale)
These mattresses feel very soft and allow the body to sink in deeply, almost like lying on a fluffy cloud. The surface is cushioned and hugs the body, making it a good choice for those who like a plush sleeping experience. However, it may not provide much support, which can be a concern for some sleepers.
Types of Soft Mattresses:
- Memory Foam Mattress – Adapts to the body’s shape, relieving pressure and providing a hugging sensation.
Ideal for:
- People who prefer a plush, contouring surface
- Side sleepers who prioritise comfort over firmness
- Lightweight sleepers who don’t need much support
- People who enjoy a deeply cushioned feel
Thinking a soft mattress is just what you need? Get the comfort you deserve with our Flo Ergo™ Memory Foam Mattress.
Soft Mattress vs Medium Mattress vs Firm Mattress
| Feature | Soft Mattress | Medium Mattress | Firm Mattress |
| Feel | Compresses easily, allowing the body to sink in more and creating a deeper, cushioned feel. | Strikes a balance between softness and firmness, offering both contouring and support. | Feels sturdy with minimal compression, keeping the body more on the surface rather than sinking in. |
| Support Level | Molds closely to the body, providing a softer feel but less structured support. | Offers a mix of comfort and stability, with moderate contouring while maintaining support. | Provides a solid and stable feel, keeping the sleeper lifted without much sinking. |
| Best Suited For | Works well for side sleepers and those with a lighter body frame. | Suitable for a wide range of sleepers, including those who change positions throughout the night. | Ideal for back sleepers and individuals with a heavier body weight who need extra support. |
| Pressure Relief | Provides strong relief by reducing pressure points, which may help with aches and pains. | Delivers moderate pressure relief while ensuring the body doesn’t sink too much. | Offers minimal contouring but prevents excessive sinking and maintains proper posture. |
| Spinal Alignment | Can be beneficial for side sleepers but may not provide enough support for those on the heavier side. | Helps keep the spine properly aligned in most sleeping positions. | Designed to maintain spinal alignment, particularly for back sleepers and those needing extra support. |
| Firmness Rating | Generally falls within the softer range, around 4 to 5 on the firmness scale. | Typically rated between 5 and 7, offering a medium level of firmness. | Falls on the firmer end of the scale, usually rated 7 or higher. |
How to Determine If You Need a Firm, Medium or Soft Mattress
People often wonder whether a hard or soft mattress is better, but the answer depends on personal needs. There is no one-size-fits-all option since comfort, body type, and sleeping habits all play a role. Here are a few things to consider before making a decision.
-
Comfort Matters Most
What feels comfortable for one person might not work for another. Think about your experience with your current mattress. If you wake up feeling well-rested and without body aches, the firmness level is likely right for you. But if you often wake up sore or uncomfortable, it might be time to switch to a different type of mattress.
-
Body Weight Impact
Weight and body size impact how a mattress feels. Heavier individuals often find soft mattresses uncomfortable because they sink too much, making it hard to get proper support. On the other hand, lighter individuals may find firm mattresses too rigid and uncomfortable to sleep on. Finding the right balance is important for good sleep quality.
-
Sleeping Position and Support
How you sleep also determines whether a hard or soft mattress is better for you.
- Back sleepers need firm support to keep their spine aligned.
- Side sleepers usually prefer softer mattresses that adjust to the shape of their shoulders and hips.
- Stomach sleepers often need a firmer surface to prevent sinking and keep their body in a neutral position.
Closing Thoughts
No matter what type of sleeper you are, the right mattress makes all the difference in getting quality rest. Whether you need extra support, a plush feel, or something in between, finding the right fit can improve comfort and sleep quality. Whatever your mattress needs might be, Flo always has you covered. Check out our mattress collection here!
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Will a firm mattress get softer?
Yes, a firm mattress will soften over time. As you use it, the materials start to break in, making it feel less stiff. If the mattress has low-density foam, this can happen faster. High-quality materials like latex and strong coils take longer to soften but will eventually adjust to your body.
-
How do you know if your mattress is too firm?
If your mattress is too firm, your body will feel the difference. You might wake up with aches in your shoulders, hips, or lower back. It may also feel like you’re sleeping on top of the mattress rather than sinking in slightly for support. If you keep tossing and turning at night, your mattress could be the reason.
-
How can you tell if a mattress is too soft?
A mattress that’s too soft won’t support your body properly. If you feel like you’re sinking too much or struggling to change positions, it might be too soft. Waking up with back pain or stiffness can also be a sign. Over time, a mattress that’s too soft can cause poor posture and discomfort.
-
When should you replace your mattress?
If your mattress is sagging, uneven, or causing discomfort, it might be time for a new one. Most mattresses last around 7 to 10 years, depending on the material and usage. If you wake up feeling sore or notice dips where you sleep, replacing it could improve your sleep quality.