The question that plagues every sleeper tasked with buying a new bed is, of course, “how firm should my mattress be?”. It’s a relatively simple question on the surface, but when you look further into it, it can become quite intimidating. After all, mattresses are not cheap, and buying the wrong one can be utterly catastrophic for the quality of your sleep.

Today, we’re looking into the different levels of mattress firmness.

Mattress Firmness Levels Explained

Soft

A soft mattress is typically classed as either a 1 or a 2 on the mattress firmness scale. They provide the least amount of support and are infamous for “swallowing” those that sit or lay down on them. Soft mattresses are usually made of memory foam and can be either thin or thick. While they aren’t ideal for heavy sleepers or those who need a lot of back and joint support, they are great for lighter sleepers and have the potential to be perfect for those who sleep on their side.

Medium-soft

Medium-soft mattresses provide more support than soft mattresses. They tend to have firmer cores and a comfort layer on top. This layer can vary in thickness, making the mattress lean more toward the soft side or more toward the firm side. Hybrid mattresses are a great example of this firmness.

Medium-firm

Medium-firm mattresses are usually somewhere between a 5 and a 7 on the firmness scale. These kinds of mattresses generally offer a bit of bounce and are considered to be the most universal in terms of comfort. They are often used in hotels because most sleepers can find some kind of comfort in sleeping on them. More often than not, they are firmer to the touch than medium-soft mattresses and can be distinguished from that type quite easily.

Firm

Firm mattresses are designed so that the sleeper stays on top of the mattress. They won’t sick in or get stuck in the mattress, and typically have a relatively thin comfort layer. They are also made with firmer, more substantial core materials. They are well suited for heavy sleepers and for people who require extra support due to having back or joint pain or other medical issues.

While we discuss mattress firmness, it’s a good idea to mention the fact that not all mattresses of the same level of firmness feel the same. For example, one mattress that is rated a 7 might feel completely different from a level 7 mattress from a different manufacturer.

This is because manufacturers use different materials  and each one has a slightly different feel and properties.

At the end of the day, the question of how firm your mattress should be depends on you as an individual. Your weight is an obvious factor, but so are any underlying conditions, preferences, and your favored sleeping position. Regardless, the perfect mattress is out there somewhere, just waiting for you to find it.