Mattress Firmness Guide

Choosing the right mattress is important and one factor that many people find confusing is mattress firmness. Firmness affects how your mattress feels, how well it supports your spine, and how comfortable your sleep is. Whether you need a firm mattress for back pain or a soft one to ease joint pressure, understanding firmness helps you sleep better.

Our mattress firmness guide helps you understand everything about mattress firmness so you can find the best fit. We explain what mattress firmness actually is and break down the industry's firmness scale. We show you how to choose the right firmness based on your body weight and sleeping position. You will also learn the difference between firmness and support, along with simple tips for selecting the best mattress firmness for your needs.

What is Mattress Firmness?

Mattress firmness refers to how soft or hard a mattress feels when you lie down on it. It's about the initial surface feel and the support the mattress provides. You'll often see mattress firmness described using a scale, typically from 1 to 10, or simply using terms like "Soft," "Medium," and "Firm."

Mattress firmness is subjective. What feels "firm" to one person might feel "medium" to another. However, by understanding the general mattress firmness levels, you can make a better decision about what will work for you.

Mattress Firmness Scale

To standardize how we talk about mattress feel, the industry commonly uses a mattress firmness scale, typically ranging from 1 to 10. A '1' would be the softest imaginable, like sinking into a giant cotton ball, while a '10' would be the firmest mattress possible, akin to sleeping on a hard floor. Most mattresses available fall somewhere between 3 and 8 on this scale.

The Mattress Firmness Scale (1-10) Explained

While subjective, this mattress firmness scale provides a useful baseline. Here’s a general breakdown:

1-2 (Extra Soft/Ultra Soft): Extremely plush with deep sinkage. Rarely found, as they often lack necessary support for most sleepers.

3-4 (Soft to Medium-Soft): Significant cushioning and body contouring. Often preferred by lightweight side sleepers who need pressure relief for shoulders and hips. A good soft mattress can provide a "hugging" sensation.

5-6 (Medium to Medium-Firm): A balance of softness and support. Widely considered the industry standard for most body types and sleeping positions. This is often the best medium firm mattress for couples.

7-8 (Firm): Noticeably more supportive with minimal sinkage. Good for back and stomach sleepers, and heavier individuals who need a surface that won't sag. Many people looking for a good firm mattress or a firm bed will find comfort here.

9-10 (Extra-Firm to Ultra-Firm): The hardest mattress you can find. Negligible sinkage with a very solid sleeping surface. Suitable for those who specifically require or prefer an exceptionally hard mattress or an extra firm bed.

It's important to note that one brand's "medium-firm" might feel slightly different from others due to materials and construction.

Why the Right Mattress Firmness is Important for Better Sleep

The right bed firmness level does more than just feel good; it’s crucial for your health. A mattress that’s too soft can cause your spine to fall out of alignment, leading to back pain.

On the other hand, a mattress that is too hard can create pressure points on your hips, shoulders, and knees, causing discomfort and restless nights. The right mattress firmness will keep your spine in a neutral position all night long, allowing your muscles to relax and recover. This is especially important when considering bed firmness for back pain.

Key Factors in Choosing Your Ideal Mattress Firmness

Finding the right mattress firmness isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. It depends on several personal factors:

1. Sleeping Position

Your primary sleep position is one of the most important factors when selecting mattress firmness. Different positions need different levels of support and pressure relief for proper spine alignment.

• Side Sleepers: Side sleepers benefit from a softer mattress (3-6 on the scale) that contours to the body's curves, cushioning the shoulders and hips. A surface that’s too firm will create pressure points and pain. A medium-soft mattress is often a good choice. Some side sleepers, especially heavier ones, might find the best firm mattress for side sleepers to be in the medium-firm range to prevent excessive sinkage.

If you're a side sleeper looking for the perfect balance of bounce and support, our Flo Float™ Mattress offers a luxurious hotel bed feel with its medium-soft feel while maintaining proper spinal alignment and pressure relief.

• Back Sleepers: Back sleepers need a medium-firm to a firm mattress (5-7 on the scale) to provide enough support to keep the spine aligned while still offering some cushioning for comfort. If it’s too soft, your hips will sink, and if it’s too hard, you’ll have a gap in your lower back. The best mattress for back sleepers ensures the lower back doesn't sag.

Our Flo Ergo™ Mattress is an excellent choice for back sleepers with its medium-firm surface that responds to your weight molds itself to take the shape of your body. It provides enough support that your body doesn't sink into the mattress more than it should.

• Stomach Sleepers: Stomach sleepers require a firm mattress (7-9 on the scale) to keep your hips elevated and your spine aligned. A soft mattress will cause your midsection to sink, leading to a painful arch in your back. Some heavy stomach sleepers may even opt for an extra-firm mattress.

For stomach sleepers, our Flo Ortho™ Mattress offers the ideal sleeping surface with its firm orthopedic support and robust pressure relief. The mattress responds to pressure; the more pressure your body exerts on the mattress, the more it reacts to support your body.

• Combination Sleepers: If you switch positions throughout the night, opt for a medium-firm mattress (around a 6 on the scale). It’s versatile enough to be comfortable in any position, as it offers a balance of support and contouring, allowing for ease of movement.

The Flo Wave™ Mattress is particularly ideal for combination sleepers, as its adaptive egg crate-shaped foam layer responds differently to various body parts, providing customized support as you change positions throughout the night.

2. Body Weight

Your body weight significantly affects how you perceive mattress firmness. The more you weigh, the more pressure you put on the mattress, and the softer it will feel to you.

• Lighter Individuals (under 60 kg): You’ll likely prefer a softer mattress (3-4 on the scale) to get adequate pressure relief, as they won't sink as deeply into firmer comfort layers.

• Average Weight Individuals (60kg - 100kg): You have a wider range of options, but a medium-firm mattress (5-6 on the scale) is often a great fit.

• Heavier Individuals (over 100 kg): You’ll need a firm mattress (7-9 on the scale) to prevent excessive sinkage and ensure proper spinal alignment. An extra firm mattress for back pain might be considered if you’re heavy and suffer from back issues. A firm king size mattress or firm king mattress offers ample space and support.

3. Pain Points and Health Conditions

If you have pain or health conditions, mattress firmness becomes especially important. The right firmness can ease discomfort, while the wrong one may worsen it.

• Lower Back Pain: A medium-firm to firm mattress (7-9 on the scale) is ideal for lower back pain. It offers the support needed to keep the spine aligned and prevents the lower back from sinking too much, which can cause unnatural spinal curvature and worsen pain.

• Shoulder or Hip Pain: A soft to medium-soft mattress (3-4 on the scale) works best for shoulder or hip pain. It allows joints and soft tissues to sink in slightly, easing pressure points and improving blood circulation.

• Sciatica: A medium-firm to firm mattress (7–9 on the scale) is recommended for Sciatica. It balances support and pressure relief, which may help reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve by supporting proper spinal alignment.

• Arthritis: Ideal mattress firmness for Arthritis depends on the type of arthritis and affected joints. In general, a mattress should offer a mix of pressure relief for painful joints and support to keep the body properly aligned.

Difference Between Firmness and Support in a Mattress

It's common to confuse firmness with support, but they are distinct concepts. Firmness refers to the initial feel of the mattress surface – how soft or hard it is. Support refers to the mattress's ability to maintain proper spinal alignment and prevent your body from sinking too deeply.

A high-quality soft mattress can be very supportive, while a poorly made hard bed mattress can offer little to no support. 

The support comes from the core of the mattress, whether it’s a firm foam mattress or a firm hybrid mattress with coils. The comfort layers on top determine the firmness. When searching for a “mattress firm near me,” remember to ask about the support system, not just the firmness level.

Practical Tips for Finding the Right Mattress Firmness

At Flo Mattress, we want to make sure you find the perfect match. Here are some tips from our sleep experts:

• The 100-Night Trial: The only way to truly know if a mattress is right for you is to sleep on it. That’s why we offer a 100-night, risk-free trial. If you don’t love your mattress, we’ll take it back for a full refund.

• Don’t Judge a Bed by Its Cover (or First Night): It can take up to 30 days for your body to adjust to a new mattress, especially if your old one was unsupportive. Be patient and give it time.

• Talk to the Experts: Still not sure? Our sleep experts are here to help. Contact us, and we’ll guide you to the perfect mattress for your needs. We are not just another mattress brand; we care about your sleep.

Conclusion

Finding the right mattress firmness is a personal journey. There is no single “best” option for everyone. By understanding the mattress firmness scale, considering your unique needs, and taking advantage of our 100-night trial, you can find the perfect mattress that will provide you with years of comfortable, restorative sleep. Don’t settle for a one-size-fits-all solution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best mattress firmness for back pain?

Studies and experts (including Harvard Health) indicate that a medium‑firm mattress (around 5-6 on the 1-10 scale) best relieves back pain by balancing spinal support and pressure relief. Our Flo Ortho™ Mattress combines Pain Release™ Technology to preserve your spine’s natural “S” curve with Stress Release™ Technology to minimize pressure points and enhance blood circulation.

Is a harder mattress better for your back?

Not necessarily. While a very soft mattress can cause misalignment, an excessively hard mattress or hard bed mattress can also be problematic, creating pressure points and failing to conform to the spine's natural curve. A firm mattress for back pain should still offer some give. The focus should be on support and alignment, often found in a medium-firm mattress.

How do I know if my mattress is too firm?

If you wake up with pain or stiffness or experience pressure point pain at your shoulders, hips, or knees, your mattress may be too firm. You should feel like you’re sleeping “on” the mattress, not “in” it, but it shouldn’t be uncomfortable.

How do I know if my mattress is too soft?

If you feel like you’re sinking into your mattress, wake up with lower back pain, or find it difficult to move, your mattress is likely too soft. A softer mattress should still provide adequate support.

Can mattress firmness affect sleep quality?

Yes. The wrong mattress firmness can lead to discomfort, tossing and turning, and poor spinal alignment, all of which negatively impact sleep quality. Finding the right bed firmness for your needs is crucial for restful sleep.