Is a soft or firm mattress better - summary:
- Choosing the right mattress firmness depends on personal preference, body type, and sleeping position, with no one-size-fits-all solution.
- Testing a mattress in your usual sleep position for 10-15 minutes is crucial in determining if it provides the right comfort and support by avoiding pressure points.
- Firm mattresses support heavier builds and regulate temperature better, but can be uncomfortable for lighter individuals, whereas soft mattresses offer comfort for joint pain but may have too much give or retain heat.
- Medium mattresses are often favoured for providing a balance of comfort and support, making them suitable for side and back sleepers.
- SleepMaker offers a variety of mattress options and technologies, including comfort layers of premium NZ-made Dunlop Foam, to suit individual preferences and support needs.
Firm mattress? Soft mattress? Or in between?
You may have heard mixed opinions on whether you should sleep on a firm or a soft mattress. The reality is that there’s no one perfect mattress feel for everyone, and personal preference is the most important thing. There are however, some important factors you should consider when deciding what’s best for you.
Consider your body type
It makes sense that the support a jockey needs at night in bed is different to the support a Wallabies player needs.
So consider your size and which points of your body feel the most pressure when you lay down (do you have broad hips or shoulders?). The SleepMaker Sleep Selector can help provide a bed match to give you support that suits your body type.
When you test a mattress, lay in your usual sleep position
Whether you’re a side, back or tummy sleeper, always lie the same way as you would normally sleep at home. Spend 10-15 minutes on each mattress you try to ensure you have the right comfort and support.
The aim is to find the mattress that feels naturally comfortable and doesn’t put pressure on any particular points of your body. If you feel pressure on certain points of your body, the mattress is probably too firm for you.
Firm isn’t always best
A firm mattress isn’t always the 'best' or most supportive. While a firm mattress might be more durable and can last longer than soft mattresses, a soft mattress can usually be more comfortable for people who are heavier or have joint pain.
The myth that firm mattresses provide the best back support isn’t true. Again, it’s all about finding the right support for you. This means ensuring there’s no uncomfortable pressure on certain points of your body, and that your mattress helps you maintain optimal spine alignment.
Firm or soft mattress for hot sleepers?
If you’re a hot sleeper, it may be best to opt for a firmer mattress. Soft mattresses allow your body to sink into the mattress further, reducing the amount of airflow. People who tend to get hot at night will benefit more from a firmer mattress as their body will be up higher and have more air around it. If you need the additional pressure relief of a softer mattress, look for models with cooling technology to offset the additional warmth. For more information, we have a dedicated blog post for the best mattress for hot sleepers on our website.
What are the key benefits of soft and firm mattresses?
Finding the perfect mattress can make you feel a lot like Goldilocks - you have to try them all to find the one that’s just right for you. Before you kick off your shoes, here’s a handy guide to get an idea on how each mattress type feels.
|
Mattress firmness |
Benefits |
Considerations |
| Firm Mattress | Best fits a stomach sleeper Supports heavier weights Resistant to sagging Better temperature regulation Prevents sinking Can be adjusted: add a topper! |
Not as comfortable Can cause pressure build-up at hips and shoulders Not recommended to people with lighter builds Often heavy |
| Medium Mattress | Best fits a side or back sleeper #1 choice mattress feel Comfortable Soft and supportive enough Responsive to pressure Durable Works well for couples |
May lack enough support for heavier builds Might be too firm for lighter builds Retains heat |
| Soft/Plush Mattress | Best fits a side sleeper Very comfortable Relieves joint and muscle pain Molds to body shape Can improve quality of sleep |
Retains heat most May cause heavier bodies to dip Sinking/stuck feeling, difficult to turn More prone to sagging |
SleepMaker comfort and support layer technology
Sleepmaker has developed a range of advanced technologies to ensure your body is supported and your sleep is restorative. In addition to NZ-made springs in the support systems, the comfort layers in all SleepMaker mattresses are made from premium NZ-made Dunlop Foam, delivering excellent support, pure comfort and ultimate durability.
SleepMaker offers a wide range of comfort and support layer technologies so you can choose your mattress according to your personal sleeping preferences (firm, soft or a level in-between). Discover the range of SleepMaker mattresses for the best sleep possible or take our Sleep Selector Quiz to find the right mattress for you.
