To help you better understand firmness and figure out what level you need, we’ve put together this mattress firmness guide. In it, we’ll explain what firmness is, how the mattress industry measures it, and how to select the right firmness level for your unique sleep requirements. We’ll also clarify the difference between firmness and support, as these two terms are often confused.
Firmness can be a tricky topic to discuss. Why? Because everyone perceives mattress firmness a little differently. Like any sensory factor, it is subjective, and your personal preference can vary greatly based on your body type, shape, and weight. Fortunately, there are some guidelines and standards that can help you understand how to choose the right mattress firmness for your needs.
To help you better understand firmness and figure out what level you need, we’ve put together this mattress firmness guide. In it, we’ll explain what firmness is, how the mattress industry measures it, and how to select the right firmness level for your unique sleep requirements. We’ll also clarify the difference between firmness and support, as these two terms are often confused.
What is Mattress Firmness?
Mattress firmness refers to the level of comfort and support a mattress provides, typically described as "soft" or "firm." Mattress firmness affects sleep quality because it determines how the body interacts with the mattress, influencing spinal alignment, pressure distribution, and overall comfort. Different people have varying needs for firmness based on body type, sleeping position, and personal preference. Choosing the right firmness helps ensure proper spinal alignment, reduces pressure points, and improves sleep quality.
Soft Mattress
Soft mattresses typically have a firmness rating between 3 and 6 (out of 10). They often feature cushioning materials like quilted pillow tops or thick layers of memory foam in the comfort layer. These mattresses are known for a sinking feeling, body contouring, and pressure relief.
On a soft mattress, you may not experience much bounce, meaning you could feel more "in" the mattress rather than "on" it. Strict side sleepers or individuals who need extra comfort for their shoulders, hips, and lower back often prefer softer mattresses for better pressure relief and support.
Medium Firmness
Medium firmness mattresses typically have a rating of around 6.5 (out of 10). These mattresses often combine a soft foam top layer with a firmer base of high-density polyurethane foam or pocketed coils. This creates a balance between pressure relief and support, making them appealing to a wide range of sleepers. However, some mattresses labeled as medium firmness may feel slightly softer or firmer than average, such as a medium-soft 6 out of 10.
On a medium-firm mattress, you might experience some sinking, but you're more likely to feel supported and slightly lifted off the bed. This makes medium-firm mattresses ideal for combination sleepers or back sleepers, as these groups benefit greatly from the added responsiveness and support.
Firm Mattress
Firm mattresses typically have a firmness rating of 7 or higher out of 10. These mattresses rarely use soft or plush materials in the comfort layer; instead, they often add a thin layer of soft foam above high-density polyurethane foam or springs to provide strong support.
On a firm mattress, every part of your body should be evenly supported with a certain level of bounce. These mattresses are ideal for strict stomach sleepers and people with higher body weight, as they provide extra support to help distribute body weight evenly.
If you're looking for a mattress that offers exceptional support without springs, our Fine Revo Mattress is an ideal choice. It features a unique material and is removable, washable, and foldable, making it easy to clean and store. The mattress is designed with high-density, non-coil, and non-slip technology, ensuring durability and comfort.
Understanding the Firmness Scale
Now that we've covered the three main firmness categories, let's take a closer look at the entire firmness scale. This will help you better understand what a 3 out of 10 or a 7.5 out of 10 feels like when you're researching mattresses.
As I mentioned earlier, these interpretations are subjective, but they provide useful insights into how these firmness ratings translate into actual comfort when you're lying on the mattress.
1 out of 10 (Extra Soft)
A 1 out of 10 firmness rating falls into the extra soft category. These mattresses provide very little support, and when you lie down, your body sinks deeply into the mattress. They are typically made from soft materials, such as thin layers of memory foam or down-like padding, offering a highly comfortable, enveloping feel.
2 out of 10 (Extra Soft)
A 2 out of 10 firmness rating falls into the extra soft category. These mattresses provide very little support, and your body sinks deeply into the mattress. They typically use soft materials like memory foam or down-like padding, offering a highly comfortable, enveloping feel that helps relieve pressure. However, while they excel in comfort, mattresses that are too soft may not provide adequate support for the spine. This can especially be problematic for back and stomach sleepers, as it may disrupt the natural alignment of the spine.
3 out of 10 (Very Soft)
A 3 out of 10 firmness rating falls into the very soft category. These mattresses still offer minimal support, with the body sinking slightly into the mattress. They typically use soft materials like memory foam or down-like padding, providing a comfortable, enveloping feel. While very soft mattresses excel at pressure relief, particularly for side sleepers, they may not offer enough support for the spine. This can be problematic for back or stomach sleepers, as the lack of support may cause the spine to fall out of its natural alignment. While they offer a comfortable sleep experience, prolonged use may not be ideal for spinal health.
4 to 5 out of 10 (Soft)
A firmness rating of 4 to 5 out of 10 falls into the soft category. These mattresses strike a balance between comfort and support. The body will sink slightly into the mattress, but not as deeply as with softer options. Soft mattresses typically use materials like soft memory foam, polyurethane foam, or down-like padding, effectively relieving pressure, especially for side sleepers or those seeking more comfort. They are ideal for sleepers who want softness but still need some level of support.
However, while soft mattresses provide a comfortable, enveloping feel, they may not offer enough spinal support for back or stomach sleepers who require more firmness to maintain proper alignment.
6 out of 10 (Medium Soft)
A firmness rating of 6 out of 10 falls into the medium-soft category, offering a good balance between softness and support. These mattresses provide moderate comfort and support, allowing the body to sink slightly into the mattress, but not as deeply as softer options. Medium-soft mattresses often combine memory foam or polyurethane foam to relieve pressure while still offering some spinal support.
This level of firmness is particularly suitable for side sleepers who need some cushioning as well as back sleepers, as it helps maintain the natural curve of the spine without excessive sinking. For lighter or medium-weight individuals, a medium-soft mattress is an ideal choice, as it strikes a balance between comfort and support.
6.5 out of 10 (Medium Firm)
A 6.5 out of 10 firmness rating falls into the medium-firm range, offering a balanced combination of comfort and support. Compared to medium-soft mattresses, it provides stronger support while still maintaining a certain level of comfort. The body may sink slightly, but the mattress will offer enough support to keep the spine aligned in its natural position. Medium-firm mattresses typically use high-density foam or pocketed spring systems, along with a comfort layer, to effectively relieve pressure.
This level of firmness is suitable for various sleep positions, especially for those who need both support and comfort. Side sleepers will find that a medium-firm mattress effectively relieves pressure on the shoulders and hips, while back and stomach sleepers will benefit from sufficient support to maintain spinal alignment.
7 out of 10 (Slightly Firm)
A mattress with a firmness rating of 7 out of 10 is considered slightly firm, offering more support than medium-firm mattresses while still providing a reasonable level of comfort. The surface provides minimal sinkage, with the body remaining more on top of the mattress rather than sinking deeply into it. This type of mattress often uses high-density foam or coil systems that provide strong support, with a thinner comfort layer for pressure relief.
A slightly firm mattress is ideal for those who prefer a more supportive surface, especially back and stomach sleepers who need extra spinal alignment. It can also work well for heavier individuals who require more support to prevent sinking. However, side sleepers may find that it doesn’t offer enough pressure relief on the shoulders and hips.
8 out of 10 or Firm
An 8 out of 10 mattress firmness falls into the firm category, offering strong support with minimal sinkage. The surface of the mattress is relatively hard, often constructed with high-density foam, sturdy springs, or other supportive systems, with little to no soft comfort layers. Firm mattresses focus primarily on spinal support, keeping the body stable and flat on the surface.
This level of firmness is ideal for sleepers who need significant support, especially back or stomach sleepers, as well as individuals who prefer a firmer surface or have a larger body frame. It effectively helps maintain natural spinal alignment and reduces lower back discomfort. However, side sleepers may find it less comfortable, particularly in terms of pressure distribution on the shoulders and hips.
9 out of 10 or Very Firm
A 9 out of 10 mattress firmness is considered very firm, providing an extremely solid surface with little to no give. These mattresses are constructed with dense, high-resilience foam or reinforced spring systems, offering maximum support. The surface is hard enough that you’ll feel minimal to no sinking or contouring when lying down.
Very firm mattresses are ideal for sleepers who need the highest level of support, such as those with chronic back pain or heavier individuals who require extra firmness to prevent excessive sinking. They are particularly suitable for stomach sleepers, as they help maintain proper spinal alignment. However, side sleepers or those who prefer a softer feel may find this level of firmness uncomfortable, as it offers little pressure relief for areas like the shoulders and hips.
10 out of 10 or Extra Firm
A 10 out of 10 mattress firmness is considered extra firm, providing an extremely rigid and unyielding surface. There is virtually no give when you lie on it, offering maximum support and minimal contouring. These mattresses are typically made with high-density materials like ultra-firm foam or tightly packed coil systems, designed to provide a completely flat and firm sleeping surface.
Extra firm mattresses are best for individuals who need the ultimate in spinal support, such as those with significant back issues, or for heavier people who require a very solid foundation. Stomach sleepers, in particular, may benefit from the extra firmness as it helps keep the spine aligned. However, this level of firmness may be too uncomfortable for most side sleepers or those who prefer a softer surface, as it offers little to no pressure relief for sensitive areas like the hips and shoulders.
What is the ideal mattress firmness?
After understanding mattress firmness, you may wonder: what is the ideal firmness for a mattress? The truth is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this important question. Why? Because firmness is highly personal. An extra-firm mattress might be perfect for stomach sleepers, but it could be uncomfortable for side sleepers. The best mattress firmness depends on factors such as your body type, sleeping position, and personal comfort preferences.
Is firmness the same as support?
When considering firmness and support, many people mistakenly think the two terms are synonymous. In reality, they refer to two very different concepts. Firmness describes the initial sensation you feel when you lie down on a mattress, while support refers to how well the mattress keeps your spine aligned. Therefore, it’s possible to find a soft mattress with excellent support and a firm mattress that offers little support.
It can be tricky to draw the line between firmness and support, but it’s essential to distinguish between them when shopping for a new mattress. Remember: firmness is simply how the mattress feels. Does it relieve pressure? Does it feel comfortable? Is it plush and cushioned, bouncy, or somewhere in between?
Support, on the other hand, is whether the mattress helps keep your spine in a neutral alignment. When lying in your preferred sleeping position, does the mattress do a good job of lifting your spine from your shoulders to your hips in a straight line?
By focusing on these factors separately, you’ll be able to find a mattress that provides the support you need for your sleeping posture, with the right level of firmness for you.
How to Choose Mattress Firmness
Now that you have a good understanding of the different firmness levels, let’s apply that knowledge to the real-world buying experience. Here are some tips and tricks we use to match people with their ideal mattress firmness level:
Sleeping Position: Your sleeping position is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing mattress firmness. Side sleepers typically need a firmness level in the range of 3 to 6, to provide comfort and pressure relief for the shoulders and hips, while back sleepers usually need a firmness level of 5 to 7. Stomach sleepers, on the other hand, may require a mattress firmness above 7 (out of 10) for adequate support.
Body Weight: Your weight is another key factor in determining the firmness of your mattress. Heavier individuals often need a thicker mattress with deeper compression to provide proper support. Those with higher body weight may feel that a mattress rated at 7 might feel softer than it would to an average-weight person, so they may prefer a mattress with a firmer feel.
Body Type: Your specific body type also helps determine the level of firmness you need. For example, if you carry more weight in your stomach area, you may want a firmer mattress, possibly with zoned support to help keep your spine aligned. Lighter individuals may find softer mattresses more comfortable, as they mainly interact with the top layers of the mattress.
Remember, Firmness Is Not Support: While firmness and support are closely related, they are not the same thing. Firmness refers to how the mattress feels when you lie down, while support is how well the mattress maintains the natural alignment of your spine. You can find a mattress that is soft yet supportive enough to keep your spine properly aligned.
Still Unsure? Go for Medium Firm: If you’re still unsure about what firmness to choose, we recommend going for a medium-firm mattress. Most mattresses with a firmness rating of around 6.5 (out of 10) tend to provide a balanced level of comfort and support for a wide range of sleepers.
Beware of Too Soft Mattresses: While "soft" may seem synonymous with comfort or luxury, soft mattresses often lack the support necessary for various sleeping positions, making them uncomfortable for many people. In fact, soft mattresses tend to have one of the highest return rates in the industry.
Button Line
Here’s our guide to mattress firmness! When selecting a mattress, remember to consider your sleeping position, body weight, comfort preferences, and the level of support you need. This will help you find the perfect firmness level that ensures an ideal night’s sleep.
Choose the Fine Revo mattress for exceptional support and comfort. Featuring a unique high-density non-coil design, it provides a firm, non-slip sleep surface for stable support throughout the night. The mattress is removable, washable, and foldable, making cleaning and storage easy. Rigorously tested for durability and comfort, the Fine Revo mattress offers unparalleled support, ensuring you enjoy the perfect sleep experience every night. Choose Fine Revo and transform your sleep into a truly restful experience.
