When it comes to choosing a mattress, firmness is one of the most important factors — yet it’s often misunderstood. Many people confuse firmness with support, but the two are not the same. At Well Sleep, we help you understand what mattress firmness really means and how to choose the best one for your body and sleep style.
What Does Mattress Firmness Mean?
Firmness refers to how soft or hard a mattress feels when you lie down on it. It affects the surface comfort and pressure relief but not necessarily the support system underneath.
Mattress firmness is usually rated on a scale of 1 to 10:
1–3: Soft
4–6: Medium
7–10: Firm
Soft Mattress (1–3)
Best for: Side sleepers, people with joint pain, or lighter individuals
Feel: Plush, deeply contouring, body-hugging
Benefits:
Excellent pressure relief on hips and shoulders
Ideal for those who prefer a “sinking in” feel
Considerations:
May lack sufficient support for back or stomach sleepers
Can cause spinal misalignment if too soft for your body weight
Medium Mattress (4–6)
Best for: Combination sleepers, couples, or those unsure of preference
Feel: Balanced contour and support
Benefits:
Offers moderate softness with good support
Accommodates most sleep positions
Ideal for couples with different firmness needs
Considerations:
May not offer enough pressure relief for some side sleepers
Might feel too soft for heavier back or stomach sleepers
Firm Mattress (7–10)
Best for: Back and stomach sleepers, heavier individuals, or those with back issues
Feel: Flat, supportive surface with minimal sinkage
Benefits:
Promotes spinal alignment for back and stomach sleepers
Helps reduce sagging for heavier body types
Considerations:
May feel too rigid for side sleepers
Less contouring around pressure points
How to Choose the Right Firmness
When choosing a mattress firmness, consider:
Your sleep position
Body weight
Health conditions (like back or joint pain)
Personal comfort preferences
At Well Sleep, our mattresses are engineered to offer tailored firmness and orthopedic support to suit every type of sleeper.
Final Thought
Firmness is a personal choice, but choosing the wrong level can affect your sleep quality, spinal health, and daily energy. Understanding how each firmness level works helps you make a confident, comfort-first decision.
Find your perfect comfort level — only with Well Sleep.