Mattress Firmness Guide – Find Your Comfort Level

Waking up sore? Your mattress firmness plays a salient role.

Has it been often that you’re waking with a sore back, stiff shoulders, or numbness in the lower back? Or maybe you feel like you’re sinking too deep or sleeping on a hard surface?

Truth is—mattress firmness plays a huge role in sleep, and choosing the wrong mattress can lead to restless nights and recurrent pains in the morning. But here’s the thing: Firmness isn’t just about ‘soft’ or ‘firm’—it’s about finding what’s ideally right for you. It’s about the balance between your body type, sleeping style, and pain issues.

In this guide, I’ll break down the mattress firmness scale (with real mattress examples). I’ll also address a few common myths on firmness, and help you match your sleeping position and body type to the right firmness.

Ready? Let me get straight to the facts.

Mattress Firmness Scale – Understanding the 1-10 Firmness Scale

With terms like plush, medium-firm, and extra-firm used by the mattress industry all around you, it gets a bit overwhelming to find the ideal firmness. I understand, and I’ll get to that first.

Mattress firmness is typically rated on a 1-10 scale, where 1 is soft and 10 gets extra firm.

So, to ease the situation for you, I’ve provided a Table below. Here’s what each level means, alongside real-world mattress examples to help you find the right match.

Table – Mattress Firmness Scale and Examples

It is important to understand that a single firmness level does not suit all sleepers. As your sleep requirements vary from another individual, your ideal level of mattress firmness also varies. The industrial mattress firmness scale usually ranges from 1 to 10 and covers a range of different levels of firmness.

1. Extra-Soft Mattresses

These mattresses are really soft, offering a gentle hug like sensation. As shown in the Table above, they’re rated from 1 to 2 on the softness scale.

2. Soft Mattresses

The mattresses are cozy but slightly firmer than the ones before. They fall in the 3 to 4 range on the firmness scale.

3. Medium to Medium-Firm Mattresses

These are the most versatile mattresses suiting a wider audience.

They’re neither too soft nor too firm. They stand around a 5 or 6 on the scale. If you prefer a mattress which is a bit firmer, you can go for level 6 in firmness scale.

On the contrary if you need a mattress that gently contours your pressure sores then a slightly softer mattress with firmness level 5 may be ideal for you.

4. Firm Mattresses

Firm mattresses provide a solid and sturdy feel when you lie down on them – something very similar to a supportive base.

They’re rated anywhere between 7 and 8 on the firmness scale.

5. Extra Firm Mattresses

These are the firmest mattress models. You’ll find them in the 9 to 10 range.

So, when you choose a mattress, consider how soft or firm you want your mattress to be, and pick the one that aligns your comfort preferences.

How Firmness Affects Comfort & Support?

• Softer mattresses (1-4) – cradle pressure points but may lack support for heavier sleepers.
• Medium mattresses (5-6) – provide a balanced feel, great for most sleep positions.
• Firmer options (7-10) – offer solid support but may feel too stiff for lighter sleepers.

The right firmness depends on your body weight, sleep position, and personal preference—which I’ll cover in detail soon.

Who Should Opt For Extra Soft or Soft Mattresses?

Extra Soft or Soft mattresses help to relieve pressure from painful areas of your body. If you are a side sleeper, these mattresses can help take the pressure off your shoulders and hips. If you’re a light-weight side sleeper, a softer mattress might be a good choice because you won’t sink in too much.

Soft mattresses are usually made of foam, and they absorb motion well, which can be helpful if you share your bed with your partner or a pet. These mattresses are also a good option if you have joint pain or hip pain. They can relieve soreness from pressure points and make your sleep more comfortable.

When to Buy a Medium-Firm Mattress?

If you’re an average-weight sleeper and like to sleep on your back or side, a medium-firm mattress could be just what you need. It provides good support to your hips, shoulders and neck and keeps your spine neutrally aligned.

Medium firm mattresses are suitable for people across all sleep positions: side, back, or stomach sleepers. If you’re a combination sleeper, medium-firm mattresses can work really well for you. They give you just the right amount of support and comfort you need. The firmness level works quite well for individuals who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds.

Should You Opt for Firm or Extra Firm Mattresses?

Firm or Extra Firm Mattresses are suitable for individuals who are back sleepers because they help keep your spine in a good alignment and prevent back pain. If you sleep on your stomach, you might also like a firm mattress because it can keep your stomach from sinking in too much and keep your hips elevated.

If you weigh between 130 to 230 pounds or over 230 pounds, a firm mattress will be a good option to support your body.

Up next, I will expose some common myths about mattress firmness. These misconceptions often play a role in holding you back from choosing the right mattress.

Debunking Mattress Firmness Myths: What You Need to Know

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about mattress firmness. Many people choose the wrong firmness because of myths that sound logical but aren’t entirely true. Let’s set the record straight.

1. Myth 1 – “Firmer is Always Better for Back Pain”

Truth – The right firmness for back pain depends on your body weight and sleeping position.

Many people assume that a rock-hard mattress is the best for back pain. But in reality a mattress that’s

• Too firm – Can push your spine out of alignment and create pressure points.
• Bit too soft – May cause excessive sinkage, throwing your spine off balance.

Best mattress choice – A medium to medium-firm (5-7) mattress that supports your spine while cushioning pressure points (especially for side and back sleepers).

For example, Saatva Classic (Luxury Firm) offers robust lumbar support without feeling hard and painful on your pressure zones.

2. Myth 2 – “Soft Mattresses Lack Support”

Reality – Support and firmness are NOT the same thing. A common mistake is thinking support comes from firmness—but in reality,

• Support means the mattress keeps your spine aligned.
• Firmness refers to how hard or soft the surface feels.

Some soft mattresses have robust support layers, while some firm ones can lack proper back support.

What matters is how well the mattress distributes your weight and keeps your spine neutral.

An example is the Helix Midnight mattress which provides a medium-soft feel, but has defined spinal support.

3. Myth 3 – “Your Mattress Should Feel ‘Just Right’ Immediately”

Truth – There’s an adjustment period, which mattress brands refer to as ‘trial period’.

Ever tried a new mattress and thought, ‘This doesn’t feel right!’ on the first night?

That’s so because,

• Your body needs time to adapt (especially if switching firmness levels).
• New materials take time to break in (memory foam, latex, and hybrid layers soften with use)

That’s why most mattress brands in the US recommend a 30-day break-in period before drawing conclusions.

[Pro Tip – Always use the full sleep trial period (most offer 90-365 nights) before deciding if you want to give it up or if a mattress works for you.]

Sleep Issues – Find the Right Mattress Firmness for Pain Relief

Your mattress firmness isn’t just about comfort—it affects spinal alignment, pressure relief, and overall sleep quality.

So getting a mattress with the wrong firmness can worsen your back pain, shoulder discomfort, or hip pressure, making you wake up even more sore.

Let’s break down how different firmness levels impact key sleep issues and the solution in finding the right balance for relief.

1. Spinal Alignment – Key to Back Health and Posture

A mattress that’s too soft or too firm can misalign your spine, leading to pain over time.

Here’s what happens. I’ll break it down in short.

• Too Soft (1-4) – Hips and shoulders sink too deep, throwing the spine out of balance.
• Too Firm (7-10) – Lack of cushioning forces the spine into an unnatural position.

Best Choice? A medium to medium-firm mattress (5-7) that keeps your spine neutral while cradling pressure points.

For Example, the Casper Dream Hybrid is ideal for spinal support without stiffness.

2. Back Pain – Right Firmness

Back pain sufferers need a mattress that supports the lumbar region (lower back) without creating pressure points.

• For Lower Back Pain: A medium-firm (5-7) hybrid or memory foam mattress keeps the spine aligned while relieving pressure.
• Upper Back Pain: A mattress with zoned support (firmer in the center, softer at the shoulders) works best.

Taking the Saatva Classic (Luxury Firm) as an example, as it offers lumbar support & pressure relief (mentioned previously).

3. Shoulder Pain – Avoid Pressure

If you’re waking up with sore shoulders, your mattress might be too firm and pressing into your joints.

• Side sleepers are most at risk—opt for a softer (3-5) mattress to cushion the shoulders.
• Back sleepers need a balance of support and contouring (medium-firm, 5-6).

The best mattress for stiff shoulders, as I’ve previously noted is the Helix Midnight. It’s designed with side sleepers having shoulder pain in mind.

4. Hip Pressure & Sinkage – Keep the Hips Elevated & Supported

Hip pain often happens when a mattress is too soft (causing sinkage) or when it’s too firm (causing pressure and pain buildup).

• Lightweight side sleepers – need a soft to medium (3-5) mattress for cushioning.
• Heavier sleepers – require medium-firm to firm (6-8) to keep hips aligned.
• Back sleepers – a medium-firm (5-7) mattress with lumbar support works best.

A classic choice is a latex mattress as they are more responsive.

The Saatva Zenhaven Latex mattress is high in quality with a flippable design. So you can choose either the firmer side or its softer side to sleep on.

Your ideal mattress firmness depends on your body type, sleep position, and pain points. Up next, let’s match sleeping positions with the best mattress firmness levels for different body weights.

Ideal Mattress Firmness by Sleeping Position & Body Type

Not all sleepers need the same firmness! Your ideal mattress firmness depends on two key factors.

• Your sleeping position (side, back, or stomach)
• And your body weight (light, average, or heavy)

The right mattress should keep your spine aligned, relieve pressure points, and prevent discomfort. Let’s break it down.

Best Mattress Side Sleepers (Need Pressure Relief, Softer Feel)

Side sleepers put more pressure on their shoulders and hips, so they need a softer mattress that cushions these areas while keeping the spine aligned.

Best Firmness for Back Sleepers (Balanced Support, Medium Firmness)

Back sleepers need a mattress that supports the natural curve of the spine while preventing the hips from sinking too much.

Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers (Firm to Prevent Sinking)

Stomach sleepers need a firm mattress to prevent their midsection from sinking, which could strain the lower back.

Now that you know your ideal firmness, let me wrap it up with some final tips on choosing the best mattress for you.

Final Tips – Choose the Right Mattress Firmness

Now that you understand mattress firmness levels, sleep positions, and body types, here are my few tips to help you make the best choice.

1. Tip 1 | Consider Your Sleeping Position First

Your sleeping position is the number ‘one’ factor in determining the right firmness. Side sleepers need softness, back sleepers need balance, and stomach sleepers need firmness to prevent sinking.

Pro Tip – If you’re a combination sleeper (switch positions at night), go for a medium (5-6) firmness level—it’s versatile enough for all positions.

2. Don’t Confuse Support with Firmness

A firm mattress isn’t always supportive, and a soft mattress isn’t necessarily unsupportive. Support comes from high-quality materials and construction, not just the firmness level.

Look for,

• Zoned support (firmer in the middle for the back, softer at the shoulders)
• Hybrid or latex mattresses for better spinal alignment
• Memory foam layers that cushion without losing support

3. Test the Mattress (Make Use of the Sleep Trial)

Most online mattress brands offer a risk-free sleep trial (90-365 nights). Your body needs at least 30 days to fully adjust, so don’t rush your decision!

Pro Tip – If your mattress feels too firm at first, try a mattress topper instead of exchanging it immediately.

4. Factor in Your Weight & Body Type

• Light sleepers (<130 lbs) – Need a softer mattress to experience proper contouring.
• Average sleepers (130-230 lbs) – Medium to medium-firm works best.
• Heavy sleepers (>230 lbs) – Need a firmer mattress to prevent deep sinkage.

5. Beware of the ‘Too Firm’ Trap for Back Pain

As previously discussed in the Myths section, a common mistake is to think extra firm mattresses are best for back pain. But they can actually cause more discomfort by not contouring enough. Imagine lying on a hard board or floor with a painful back?

You would wake up sore. Instead, opt for supportive yet contouring mattresses.

Best choice? A medium-firm (5-7) hybrid or memory foam mattress for balanced lumbar support.

6. Read Reviews from Experts

Don’t just rely on marketing claims—check our detailed mattress reviews or connect with people with similar sleep preferences and body types.

Look for features like,

• Comfort over time (ask yourself, does it sag?)
• How does it perform for different sleep positions
• Temperature regulation (especially if you sleep hot)

7. Prioritize Quality Over Hype

The right mattress is an investment in your sleep and health. Instead of falling for trends, look for high-quality materials, proper certifications, and a solid warranty.

Certifications to Check

• CertiPUR-US® (for non-toxic foam)
• OEKO-TEX® (for safe textiles)
• GREENGUARD Gold (low emissions & eco-friendly)

Smart Take!

Choosing the right mattress firmness isn’t just about comfort—it’s about better sleep, proper support, and waking up pain-free. Whether you’re a side sleeper needing plush comfort, a back sleeper craving support, or a stomach sleeper requiring extra firmness, there’s a perfect match for you.

Remember, firmness is personal—your ideal mattress depends on your sleep position, body type, and comfort preferences. And it isn’t just about preference. It’s about finding a balance between comfort, spinal alignment, and pressure relief.

Take your time, test out your options, and most importantly—listen to your body!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I tell if my mattress is firm enough?

If your mattress is too soft, you might wake up with lower back stiffness and soreness. It may feel unsupportive, especially if you sleep on your stomach—you could experience pelvic or shoulder pain from sinking too much into the mattress.

2. What are the signs that my mattress is too firm?

A mattress that’s too firm can cause neck, hip, shoulder, or back pain. You may feel discomfort and stiffness in your joints, particularly around the knees and shoulders. If you wake up feeling sore or achy, your mattress might not be contouring to your body’s needs.

3. What firmness level is best for combination sleepers?

A medium to medium-firm mattress (5-7) is typically the best choice for combination sleepers, as it provides a balance of comfort and support across different positions.