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What Are Mattress Firmness Ratings?

Mattress firmness ratings describe how soft or firm a mattress feels when you lie on it. They help you compare different mattresses and narrow down the options that may suit your comfort preferences.

At Bensons for Beds, you can explore five mattress firmness categories: soft, medium, medium-firm, firm and extra firm. Each offers a different feel, from a more cushioning sleeping surface to a firmer feel with less give.

Here's what to know about each mattress firmness rating:

• Soft mattresses****: Offer a more cushioning feel, allowing your body to sink further into the sleeping surface. They may appeal to people who prefer a softer, more enveloping feel.
• Medium mattresses****: Offer a balance between cushioning and firmness. They may suit sleepers looking for a middle ground between a softer and a firmer mattress.
• Medium-firm mattresses****: Offer a firmer feel than medium mattresses while retaining some cushioning. They may appeal to sleepers who want a balance between comfort and a more stable sleeping surface.
• Firm mattresses****: Provide a firmer sleeping surface with less sink than softer alternatives. They may appeal to people who prefer a firmer feel when lying down.
• Extra-firm mattresses****: Offer the firmest feel within these five categories, with minimal give compared with softer alternatives. They may suit people who prefer a particularly firm sleeping surface.

The right mattress firmness is a personal choice. Your preferred sleeping position, body shape, weight, comfort preferences and mattress construction can all influence how a mattress feels to you. Mattress firmness ratings can also vary between manufacturers, so comparing individual mattresses can help you find the right feel for your needs.

Which Mattress Firmness Is Right for You?

The best mattress firmness for you depends on how you like your bed to feel and how well a mattress accommodates your body when you lie down. Some people prefer a soft, cushioning surface, while others feel more comfortable on a medium or firm mattress.

When choosing a mattress firmness, consider these factors:

• Your preferred sleeping position: Side, back and front sleepers may have different comfort preferences because they distribute their weight differently across a mattress.
• Your body weight and shape: These can influence how far you sink into a mattress and how firm it feels. The same mattress may feel softer to one person and firmer to another.
• Your comfort preferences: Think about whether you prefer a plush, cushioned sensation or a sleeping surface that feels firmer beneath you.
• Your mattress type: Memory foam, pocket sprung and hybrid mattresses can have different feels, even when they share a similar firmness rating.
• Whether you share a bed: If you and your partner prefer different firmness levels, consider how each of you feels on the mattress and whether a suitable alternative is available.

If you're unsure which mattress firmness to choose, exploring different options in person can help you compare how they feel. You can also visit a Bensons for Beds store and ask about SleepPRO, our in-store technology designed to help assess your sleep preferences and mattress requirements.

How Does Sleeping Position Affect Mattress Firmness?

Your usual sleeping position can help you decide which mattress firmness to try first. However, comfort preferences, body shape and the way a mattress distributes your weight also matter.

• Side sleepers: A soft or medium mattress may provide a comfortable starting point. A little more cushioning can help accommodate the shoulders and hips, although the amount of cushioning you need will depend on your body shape and the mattress.
• Back sleepers: A medium or medium-firm mattress may be worth exploring. Look for a feel that allows comfortable cushioning while supporting your body without excessive sinking.
• Front sleepers: A medium-firm or firm mattress may be a useful starting point if you prefer a more stable surface. Consider how comfortably the mattress supports your body without allowing your midsection to sink excessively.
• Combination sleepers: If you change position during the night, consider how easily you can move on the mattress as well as how comfortable it feels in each position.

These are general starting points, not fixed rules. The best mattress firmness for you is the one that feels comfortable and provides suitable support for your body and preferred sleeping position.

Explore our mattress comfort ratings to compare the available options, or visit a Bensons for Beds store to try different mattresses in person.

Does Body Weight Affect Which Mattress Firmness You Need?

Yes. Your body weight can influence how a mattress feels because it affects how much you sink into the sleeping surface. Two people can lie on the same mattress and perceive its firmness differently.

For example, a mattress may feel relatively firm to someone who sinks less deeply into it, while someone who sinks further into the same mattress may experience a softer feel.

When choosing a mattress, consider:

• How the mattress feels when you lie down: Pay attention to whether you feel comfortably cushioned or whether the surface feels too hard or too soft.
• Your body shape and pressure points: Think about whether the mattress feels comfortable around your shoulders, hips and other areas that press into the sleeping surface.
• The level of support you experience: Consider whether you feel adequately supported in your usual sleeping position.
• The mattress construction: Different combinations of springs, foam and other comfort materials can influence how a mattress responds to your body.

Body weight is one factor in choosing mattress firmness, rather than a standalone rule for deciding which rating you need. Comparing mattresses in person can help you identify the feel that suits you.

What's the Difference Between Mattress Firmness and Support?

Mattress firmness describes how soft or firm a mattress feels when you lie on it. Mattress support refers to how the mattress accommodates your body and distributes your weight while you sleep.

Although firmness and support are related, they are not the same thing. A firm mattress is not automatically more supportive than a softer mattress, and a softer mattress is not necessarily lacking in support.

The materials, construction and design of a mattress all influence how it feels and performs. This is why it is worth considering the overall feel and support of an individual mattress rather than choosing solely by its firmness rating.

When comparing mattresses, think about both your preferred level of cushioning and whether the mattress feels comfortable and supportive in your usual sleeping position.

Medium vs Firm Mattress: Which Should You Choose?

The main difference between a medium and a firm mattress is how much cushioning and give you experience when you lie down.

• Choose a medium mattress to explore if you prefer a balance of cushioning and firmness and want a middle-ground feel.
• Choose a firm mattress to explore if you prefer a sleeping surface that feels firmer and allows less sink than a medium alternative.

Neither option is automatically right for everyone. Your preferred sleeping position, body shape, weight and the construction of the mattress can all affect how each option feels.

If you're unsure whether a medium or firm mattress is right for you, compare both options and pay attention to how comfortable and supported you feel in your usual sleeping position.

Browse our medium mattresses and firm mattresses to compare the available options.

FAQs About Mattress Firmness

What are the different mattress firmness ratings?

The five core mattress firmness categories at Bensons for Beds are soft, medium, medium-firm, firm and extra firm. They describe how a mattress feels, from a more cushioning surface to a firmer feel with less give. Individual mattress construction and personal preferences can influence how each rating feels.

What is the best mattress firmness?

There is no one mattress firmness that is best for everyone. The right choice depends on your comfort preferences, sleeping position, body shape, weight and how the mattress feels when you lie on it. Comparing different firmness levels can help you find a suitable option.

Is a firm mattress better than a soft mattress?

A firm mattress is not automatically better than a soft mattress. Firm mattresses generally offer less give, while soft mattresses provide more cushioning. The appropriate choice depends on your preferences and the level of comfort and support you experience.

Is a medium mattress softer than a firm mattress?

Generally, yes. A medium mattress is designed to offer a less firm feel than a firm mattress. However, firmness ratings can vary between manufacturers and individual mattress models, so it is worth comparing the feel and specifications of each product.

What mattress firmness is best for side sleepers?

Side sleepers may find a soft or medium mattress comfortable because additional cushioning can accommodate the shoulders and hips. However, the right firmness depends on individual body shape, weight, preferences and the construction of the mattress.

What mattress firmness is best for back sleepers?

Back sleepers may wish to explore medium or medium-firm mattresses as a starting point. The important consideration is whether the mattress feels comfortable and provides suitable support without excessive sinking. Personal preferences and mattress construction can influence the best choice.

What mattress firmness is best for front sleepers?

Front sleepers may prefer to start by comparing medium-firm and firm mattresses. A mattress that feels stable and accommodates the body comfortably may be preferable to one that allows excessive sinking. Individual needs and preferences vary.

Are mattress firmness ratings standardised?

No. Mattress firmness ratings are not necessarily consistent across all manufacturers. A medium mattress from one brand may feel different from a medium mattress from another. Consider the individual mattress specifications and, where possible, try the mattress before deciding.

Can two people have different mattress firmness preferences?

Yes. People sharing a bed may prefer different levels of firmness because of differences in body shape, weight, sleeping position and personal comfort preferences. If this applies to you, explore the available mattress options and check whether models with different firmness settings or separate comfort levels on each side are suitable.

How can I find the right mattress firmness?

Start by considering your usual sleeping position and whether you prefer a softer or firmer sleeping surface. Then compare mattresses with different comfort ratings, paying attention to cushioning, support and how comfortable you feel. You can also visit a Bensons for Beds store to ask about SleepPRO and try suitable options in person.