Anyone who has slept on a lumpy sofa bed or a sagging old mattress can tell you the same thing: comfort matters. Not only can a comfortable mattress provide a more restful night’s sleep, butalso relieve pressure points, align the spine, and help you wake up feeling refreshed rather than achy.

All sleepers can benefit from a mattress that is comfortable for them, but not everyone shares the same idea of what makes a mattress comfortable. Factors like body weight and favored sleep position play a role in what feels comfortable for each individual. Personal preference also comes into play.

Our team of sleep experts tested a wide swath of mattresses to come up with a list of the most comfortable beds. We looked at firmness, pressure relief, and temperature neutrality, among other criteria. While these beds might not be ideal for all individuals, we think that they will feel comfortable for the majority of sleepers.

The Most Comfortable Mattresses

  • Best Overall – Layla Hybrid
  • Best Value – Nectar Mattress
  • Best Luxury – Saatva Classic
  • Best for Back Pain – WinkBeds GravityLux
  • Best Pressure Relief – Helix Midnight
  • Best for Side Sleepers – Puffy Lux Hybrid
  • Best Cooling – Birch Mattress
  • Best for Heavy Sleepers – GhostBed Flex
  • Best Soft – Amerisleep AS5

In This Article

Read on to find out our reasons for selecting each of these beds and whether they may be a good fit for your sleep position, body weight, or other sleep preferences. If you’d like to learn more about shopping for comfortable mattresses, scroll to the bottom for a comprehensive buyer’s guide. We cover which types of mattresses and firmness levels are typically considered more comfortable, and which mattresses are most comfortable for side, back, and stomach sleepers.

Product Details

Best Overall

Layla Hybrid

Layla Hybrid

Price Range: $1,299 – $1,899 | Mattress Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Reversible: Medium Soft (4), Firm (7) | Trial length: 120 nights | Warranty: 10 year, Limited | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King

Who it’s best for:
  • Sleepers of any size and sleeping position
  • People who tend to sleep hot
  • Couples
Highlights:
  • Flippable design offers versatility
  • Balance of pressure-relieving memory foam and supportive pocketed coils
  • Sleeps cool

The Layla Hybrid pairs Layla’s copper-infused memory foam and high-density polyfoam with a support core of pocketed coils. The mattress is flippable, with rather different firmness ratings on each side. The resulting combination excels at pressure relief and motion isolation, while also sleeping cool and staying appropriately supportive for a wide variety of sleepers.

What It’s Made of

One side of the mattress has a medium soft feel that rates at a 4 on the 10-point firmness scale, while the other side has a firm (7) feel to it. The medium soft side has a 2.5-inch comfort layer of copper-infused memory foam. The memory foam contours to the body to a moderate extent to provide strong pressure relief, while the copper infusion helps to combat heat retention.

The memory foam rests on a transition layer of 2 inches of zoned polyfoam that provides different degrees of support to different areas of the body. By contrast, the firm side has a thinner comfort layer of 1 inch of memory foam over 1.5 inches of the zoned polyfoam. The mattress is encased in a breathable cover made of polyester, viscose, and spandex with vinyl handles on the sides for easier flippability. The support core consists of a 6-inch layer of pocketed coils between the layers of foam.

How It Performed

The Layla Hybrid’s dual firmness construction captures the two ends of the preferred range of mattress firmnesses, making it a great option for nearly any kind of sleeper. The medium soft side is best suited to sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds, while the firm side is likely a better option for sleepers in any position who weigh more than 130 pounds.

The coil springs reinforce the edges rather well and contribute to a bouncy feel as you move around on top of the mattress. Although the bed uses memory foam in its comfort layers, air is able to flow through the coils, helping the mattress sleep cool. The coil core is supported by the layers of foam on the side that is currently not in use.

The Layla Hybrid comes with a 120-night sleep trial and is backed by a 10-year warranty.Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“We considered the Layla Hybrid a standout memory foam hybrid because its coils created a very strong support system. The flippable design is a nice touch, too, since most people will be able to find a firmness level that feels comfortable.

Best Value

Nectar Mattress

Nectar Mattress

Price Range: $499 – $1,099 | Mattress Type: Foam | Firmness: Medium Firm (6) | Trial length: 365 nights | Warranty: Lifetime, Limited | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King

Who it’s best for:
  • People who weigh up to 230 pounds
  • Side sleepers
  • Couples
Highlights:
  • Memory foam contours evenly to alleviate pressure
  • Great motion isolation and no noise
  • 365-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty

Sleepers who enjoy the close “hugging” sensation of memory foam should find the Nectar Mattress quite comfortable. Given the construction and performance of this mattress, its sticker price is also quite affordable.

What It’s Made of

Although this mattress is considered medium firm (6), the 3-inch memory foam comfort layer molds to the unique contours of your body for a cloud-like feel and even weight distribution. Additional polyfoam layers provide good overall support and prevent excessive sagging. The ideal weight range for the mattress is 130 to 230 pounds.

How It Performed

Memory foam mattresses have a reputation for sleeping hot. The Nectar Mattress offers above-average cooling because the comfort layer is composed of open-cell foam, which is less dense and more breathable than the foams used in many competing models. A Tencel lyocell cover derived from botanical materials also regulates the surface temperature well.

Another strength is motion isolation. Like most all-foam beds, the Nectar Mattress absorbs movement and prevents transfer from rippling across the surface – a major benefit to couples and co-sleepers. The mattress is also completely silent and won’t creak or squeak when you get out of bed.

Nectar also offers free ground delivery anywhere in the contiguous U.S. You’ll receive a sleep trial that allows you to test out the mattress for an entire year, along with a lifetime warranty should you decide to keep it.Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“We all agreed the Nectar feels firmer and more supportive than a lot of the other memory foam mattresses we’ve tested in the lab. Some of us wanted closer contouring, but no one reported that uncomfortable sinking feeling you often get with these beds.

Best Luxury

Saatva Classic

Saatva Classic

Price Range: $887 – $2,174 | Mattress Type: Innerspring | Firmness: Soft (3), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8) | Trial length: 180 Nights ($99 Return Fee) | Warranty: 15 Year, Limited | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King, Split California King

Who it’s best for:
  • Those who enjoy mattresses with responsive surfaces
  • Hot sleepers
  • Shoppers who would rather not set up their new mattress on their own
Highlights:
  • Innovative coil-on-coil design provides excellent support and stability
  • Dual coil layers promote consistent airflow to keep the mattress cool
  • Multiple firmness and thickness options

The Saatva Classic will be a comfortable option for anyone who prefers the responsive, springy feel of traditional innersprings but also wants some body-contouring from their sleep surface.

What It’s Made of

The mattress is features a Euro-top cushioned with polyfoam and memory foam, resulting in a plush feel as you slip into bed, while a transitional layer of pocketed minicoils and a support core of sturdy hourglass coils make the Classic feel exceptionally stable – especially along the edges.

How It Performed

You can choose between three firmness levels for your Classic: soft (3), medium firm (6), or firm (8). This range of options ensures most people can find a comfortable feel regardless of their body type or general preferences. Additionally, the mattress is available with a profile of 11.5 or 14.5 inches.

Temperature control is a strong point of the mattress. This can be attributed to steady airflow through both coil layers, as well as a breathable organic cotton cover. As a result, the Saatva Classic is a good fit for people who tend to sleep hot.

Saatva is one of the only online mattress brands in the country to offer free White Glove delivery for all customers. This service includes full assembly in a room of your choice and removal of your old mattress at no extra charge. You’ll also receive a 180-night sleep trial and 15-year warranty with your purchase.Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The Saatva Classic has that bounce you’d expect from an older innerspring, but the Euro-top keeps the surface nice and plush. This would be a good fit for people who need strong coil support but also enjoy some cushioning.

Best for Back Pain

WinkBeds GravityLux

WinkBeds GravityLux

Price Range: $1,199 – $1,999 | Mattress Type: Foam | Firmness: Medium Soft (4), Medium (5), Firm (7)Trial length: 120 nights (30 night requirement) | Warranty: Lifetime, Limited | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King

Who it’s best for:
  • A wide range of sleeper types and weights
  • Hot sleepers who prefer an all-foam mattress
  • People who experience pressure points
Highlights:
  • Three firmness options to suit different preferences
  • Zoned construction balances pressure relief and support
  • Engineered to sleep cooler than most all-foam mattresses

The GravityLux Mattress from WinkBeds is an all-foam mattress that boasts luxury features that live up to its name. It’s available in three firmness levels (4, 5, 7) that are each designed with different sleeper types in mind.

What It’s Made of

Geared toward hot sleepers, this 11-inch mattress has a breathable Tencel cover that’s quilted with gel-infused foam. The cover is followed by a layer of proprietary AirCell memory foam, which is designed to contour closely without retaining heat. Beneath the AirCell is a zoned transitional layer with firmer support in the hips and lumbar areas. A high-density polyfoam support core provides a stable base for the mattress.

How It Performed

While exact specifications vary by model, all three have a zoned support system that relieves pressure build-up while evenly supporting your spine. The medium soft model has a plusher feel that is particularly well-suited to side sleepers and those who weigh less than 130 pounds. The medium and firm models are better suited to back and stomach sleepers, thanks to their responsive feel.

The GravityLux’s price-point is slightly above average for an all-foam mattress, though its high-quality materials and versatility will be worth it for many shoppers. WinkBeds backs the GravityLux with a 120-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty. Shipping is free to shoppers within the contiguous U.S.Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The GravityLux has a very dense feel. Even on the softest models, the memory foam contoured evenly to my body, but it never felt like I was going to sink into the bed.

Best Pressure Relief

Helix Midnight

Helix Midnight

Price Range: $699 – $1,449 | Mattress Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Medium Firm (6)Trial length: 100 nights (30-night requirement) | Warranty: 10 Year, Limited | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King

Who it’s best for:
  • Side sleepers of any weight group
  • Those who sleep hot on all-foam beds
  • Couples
Highlights:
  • Excellent pressure relief
  • Affordable, premium performance
  • Optional plush pillow-top add-on for a softer, more luxurious feel

The Midnight is a memory foam hybrid model from Helix sleep that offers a balance of conforming and support. It has a medium feel that appeals to side sleepers across all weight groups.

What It’s Made of

The Midnight is constructed with a layer of gel-infused memory foam that contours closely to the body in order to relieve pressure points. This is followed by a transitional layer of polyfoam that prevents the sleeper from sinking too far down into the bed. Beneath that is a substantial pocketed coil support core, providing significant support and allowing for airflow throughout the mattress. The support core also features a reinforced perimeter, which gives the bed strong edge support. The mattress is also available in a Luxe version that adds a plush pillowtop and another 2 inches to the overall height of the mattress.

How It Performed

The Midnight’s combination of pocketed coils and memory foam isolates motion well, sleeps cool, and comes at a below-average price point for a hybrid, making it an attractive option for hot sleepers, those who share a bed, and shoppers on a budget. It is an ideal fit for most sleepers up to 230 pounds. Side sleepers in particular may benefit from the pressure relief and support provided by the bed.

Helix ships free to all 50 U.S. states. Plus, they offer a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought

“The Midnight has a more balanced feel than a lot of other hybrids out there today. Plenty of support and stability, but the surface provides just the right amount of cushioning.

Best for Side Sleepers

Puffy Lux Hybrid

Puffy Lux Hybrid

Price Range: $1,449 – $1,999 | Mattress Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Medium (5) | Trial length: 101 nights | Warranty: Lifetime, Limited | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King

Who it’s best for:
  • Side sleepers who weigh 230 pounds or less
  • Couples
  • People who enjoy the feeling of sinking into their mattress
Highlights:
  • Thick foam layers contour closely to the body for targeted pressure relief
  • Exceptional motion isolation for a hybrid mattress
  • Stain-resistant cover can be removed and machine-washed

The mattresses you find most comfortable largely depend on the sleep position you primarily use. If you prefer sleeping on your side, then the Puffy Lux Hybrid is a great choice thanks to its deep comfort system.

What It’s Made of

The topmost layer is composed of memory foam that responds slowly and conforms tightly to your body. Two more foam layers provide additional cushioning while also reinforcing the sleep surface to keep your body on a fairly even plane. A support core of individually pocketed coils stabilize the mattress and firm up the perimeter without making the surface feel stiff or overly responsive. A base layer of high-density polyfoam completes the luxurious six-layer design.

The cover is made of polyester designed to be stain-resistant, so you won’t need to worry about permanent damage from spills. You can also unzip, remove, and machine wash the cover for quick and easy cleaning.

How It Performed

The mattress is considered medium (5) in terms of firmness, making it best suited to side sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds. The cradling of the memory foam provides a cloud-like sensation that can reduce pressure around the shoulders, lower back, and hips for side sleepers. The coils generate steady air circulation to help the interior stay cool, while the memory foam is infused with gel to minimize overheating – a common issue people encounter with memory foam.

Puffy offers free ground delivery to all customers in the contiguous U.S. The Lux Hybrid is backed by a 101-night sleep trial with free shipping for all returns after 14 nights have elapsed. Those who keep the mattress after the trial period ends also receive a lifetime warranty against structural and workmanship defects.

Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought

“The Lux Hybrid is a great match for sleepers who like sinking into their mattress. The side sleepers on our team were especially impressed with how closely the foam contours – hard to find in a hybrid.

Best Cooling

Birch Mattress

Birch Mattress

Price Range: $1,249 – $1,999 | Mattress Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Medium Firm (6)Trial length: 100 nights (30-night requirement) | Warranty: 25 Year, Limited | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King

Who it’s best for:
  • People who weigh up to 230 pounds
  • Hot sleepers
  • Eco-conscious shoppers
Highlights:
  • Organic, sustainable materials
  • Breathable ventilated latex and moisture-wicking wool enhance cooling
  • Stable, responsive support

If you find responsive beds comfortable, then we recommend the Birch Natural Mattress. The hybrid model features latex that gives the bed a bouncy feel. It also stays fairly cool, which should appeal to sleepers who are prone to overheating.

What It’s Made of

This bed is constructed with a top layer of natural and organic wool batting, followed by a layer of ventilated Talalay latex. Latex is a naturally springy material. It conforms to the body like memory foam, but does not cradle the body or sink too deeply. The mattress also contains a support core of pocketed coils reinforced with wool batting. The coils provide exceptional stability and plenty of reinforcement along the perimeter, so you shouldn’t sink too much when moving across the surface of getting in and out of bed.

How It Performed

Temperature control is a highlight of this mattress. The wool offers natural breathability and moisture-wicking properties, the ventilated latex circulates air near the surface, and the coils promote airflow throughout the interior to help the mattress maintain a comfortable core temperature. Due to its medium firm (6) feel, the mattress is best suited to people who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds. If you think this mattress might be too firm, Birch also offers a latex topper that creates a softer surface feel.

Birch provides free ground shipping to all 50 states, as well as a 100-night sleep trial. The mattress comes with a 25-year warranty that protects against deep body impressions and physical flaws in the bed’s assembly. For an added fee, you can also purchase accidental damage protection that covers other defects not included in the original warranty, such as stains.

Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought

“This is a mattress that manages to feel both bouncy and plush. I’ve always enjoyed this balance that latex hybrids offer, but the Birch in particular is a standout.

Best for Heavy Sleepers

GhostBed Flex

GhostBed Flex

Price Range: $1,695 – $3,700 | Mattress Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Medium Firm (6) | Trial length: 101 nights (30-night requirement) | Warranty: 25 Year, Limited | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King

Who it’s best for:
  • Side and back sleepers
  • Those who tend to overheat during the night
  • People who like sleeping close to the edges of their mattress
Highlights:
  • Pillow-top cushioned with soft foam creates a luxuriously plush surface
  • Pocketed coils reinforced along the edges help reduce uncomfortable sinkage
  • Steady airflow and exceptional cooling

The most comfortable mattress for you will likely depend on several factors, including your body type. The GhostBed Flex is a medium firm (6) hybrid that is well-suited for larger sleepers.

What It’s Made of

The Flex begins with a pillow-top encased in proprietary Ghost Ice fabric that feels cool to the touch. Cooling fibers woven into the cover also help the mattress maintain a comfortable surface temperature. Two comfort layers of memory foam cushion and contour to the body, while a transitional layer of Ghost Bounce foam has a latex-like responsiveness to keep you on an even plane.

The support core contains strong pocketed coils measuring 8.5 inches tall. The coils are zoned to protect the perimeter and help you feel stable when you get on and off the mattress or sleep close to its edges. Steady airflow through the coil system also contributes to the excellent temperature regulation of this mattress. High-density base polyfoam completes the Flex’s seven-layer design.

How It Performed

Those who weigh more than 230 pounds typically need a supportive mattress with sturdy reinforcement to provide an even sleep surface and prevent their body from sinking excessively. These sleepers are good candidates for the Flex. The thick foam layers and robust coil system provide excellent support for sleepers in this weight category. A responsive feel makes the surface fairly easy to move across, while the zoned perimeter should sink very little – if at all – when you get in and out of bed.

The mattress is available in seven sizes, including a split king option if you and your partner use an adjustable bed base. Each order comes with two GhostPillows at no extra charge and ground delivery is free throughout the contiguous U.S. GhostBed backs the Flex with a 101-night sleep trial and a 25-year warranty.

Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought

“The Flex is a true medium firm that feels supportive in all the right places. There’s excellent stability close to the edges and barely any sink when I get on the mattress.

Best Soft

Amerisleep AS5

Amerisleep AS5

Price Range: $1,949 – $3,698 | Mattress Type: Foam | Firmness: Soft (3) | Trial length: 100 nights (30-night try-out) | Warranty: 20 Year, Limited | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King

Who it’s best for:
  • Side sleepers up to 230 pounds
  • People who experience painful pressure points at night
  • Couples
Highlights:
  • Exceptional softness for a foam bed
  • Excellent pressure relief
  • Foam layers absorb motion efficiently

If softness is a key factor in your search for a comfortable mattress, Amerisleep’s AS5 is a strong contender. Amerisleep offers a line of mattresses that span a wide spectrum of firmness levels. With a feel that rates 3 on the 10-point firmness scale and a 14-inch profile, the AS5 is its softest and thickest. While many foam beds feature plush surfaces, the AS5 is softer than many of its competitors.

What It’s Made of

The AS5’s comfort layer begins is made of proprietary Bio-Pur memory foam, which has an open-cell design that circulates air more efficiently than conventional memory foam. Beneath is a layer of ActiveFlex polyfoam, which has a slightly bouncy quality, followed by a layer of conventional polyfoam that is zoned to provide targeted support. The support core contains 7 inches of dense polyfoam to provide durability.

How It Performed

With its plush feel, the AS5 delivers excellent cushioning and pressure relief for people who develop sore spots from pressure buildup overnight. Side sleepers up to 230 pounds will receive the most benefits, since this sleep position places a lot of pressure on the shoulders and hips. Meanwhile the firmer polyfoam layers, along with the responsiveness of the ActiveFlex layer, provide some support to the midsection to prevent it from sinking in. In addition to pressure relief, the soft surface is excellent at isolating motion. If you share the bed with a restless sleeper, you are less likely to feel their movements at night in this bed.

Amerisleep offers a 100-night sleep trial with a 30-night break-in period. Shipping within the contiguous U.S. is free. The bed is backed by a 20-year warranty.

Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought

“When it comes to softness, you really can’t beat the AS5. The side sleepers on our testing team agreed that the pressure relief is a huge asset for this bed.

Why You Should Trust Us

Each member of our testing team brings years of expertise and experience with mattresses, pillows, and other sleep products. We’ve personally evaluated hundreds of mattress models using a tried-and-true methodology that looks at durability, pressure relief, temperature control, and other key performance areas. Our team includes people with varying body types, sleep positions, and firmness preferences to ensure our ratings and recommendations are helpful for all sleepers.

Mattress comfort is completely subjective, and a bed you find comfortable may not be suitable for someone else. The top picks above reflect the mattresses that earned favorable ratings from testers across different weight and sleep position groups. However, these selections are not set in stone. We’ll continue to revisit these mattresses and evaluate new models in order to keep this guide as relevant and up to date as possible.

Which Type of Mattress is the Most Comfortable?

Individual mattress models vary due to differences in their materials, quality, and construction. These differences can affect how comfortable a mattress feels. Certain types of mattresses tend to share some characteristics. There is still plenty of variation between individual models, but understanding these commonalities may make it easier to decide what type of mattress will feel most comfortable to you.

Hybrid

Definition: As the name suggests, hybrid mattresses combine construction features from two or more types of mattresses. Most often, this includes a memory foam or polyfoam comfort layer and a coil support core. However, there are also hybrid mattresses with latex, wool, and/or microcoil comfort layers paired with coil support cores.

Blend of Multiple Benefits. Hybrid mattresses usually have comfort layers that contour to the sleeper to provide pressure relief while isolating motion well. The coil support core usually gives the mattress bounce and edge support. Because hybrid models pair aspects of two or more types of mattresses, many people find they provide the benefits of each mattress type without the associated drawbacks, making them an exceptionally comfortable choice.

Innerspring

Definition: Innerspring models consist primarily of a coil support system. They may also have a comfort layer to provide some cushioning, but the comfort layer is usually not substantial.

Temperature Neutrality. People who tend to sleep hot may find innerspring models quite comfortable. Air circulation through the coil layer helps cool the sleep surface, and the thin comfort layers usually do not trap a significant amount of heat.

Latex

Definition: Latex models are traditionally constructed of multiple layers of latex foam. This material may be natural, synthetic, or a blend. Talalay latex is a springier, lighter material frequently used in mattress comfort layers, while Dunlop latex is a denser, more durable material that may be used in either the comfort or support layer.

Contouring Without Hug. While memory foam and polyfoam usually compress directly under the weight of the sleeper, latex spreads out the force across a wider surface area. This provides pressure relief without the hug of memory foam. Sleepers who prefer sleeping “on” a mattress to sleeping “in” a mattress may find latex models comfortable.

Airbed

Definition: Airbeds use a support system of air chambers. These chambers can be emptied or filled by using a remote, app, or manual pump depending on the mattress model. Many airbeds also have thin comfort layers, which may consist of memory foam, polyfoam, and/or latex.

Adjustability. The firmness of an airbed can be adjusted by emptying for filling the air chambers. This may be particularly comfortable for people whose firmness preferences tend to change. Additionally, some models allow each side of the mattress to be adjusted separately, which may make an airbed a comfortable option for couples with different firmness preferences.

Foam

Definition: Foam mattresses are usually constructed primarily of memory foam and/or polyfoam, though they may also contain wool, latex, and other materials. All-foam mattresses are usually constructed of multiple layers of foam to achieve the desired balance between contouring and support.

Close Conforming. Foam mattresses tend to shape closely to the sleeper’s body. This relieves pressure points while providing a hugging sensation that many sleepers find comfortable.

Which Mattress Firmness is the Most Comfortable?

As you shop for mattresses, you may notice that they are frequently assigned numerical firmness ratings. These ratings make it easier to see how firm a mattress is and how it compares to other models. In the standard 10-point firmness scale, 1 is the softest mattress possible, while 10 is the firmest.

Most sleepers favor a mattress between medium and firm, ranging from around 5 to 7. However, several factors beyond the numerical rating can contribute to the mattress’s feel.

One key factor is a sleeper’s weight. Sleepers who weigh under 130 pounds do not put as much force on a mattress, so they usually favor a softer model that allows them to sink in more. Individuals who weigh over 230 pounds put more force on a mattress, so they often require a firmer model to support them and prevent them from sinking in too deeply. Taking your body weight into account can help steer you towards the best mattress firmness for you.

The mattress type can also contribute to how firm it feels. Foam mattresses usually compress directly under a sleeper’s weight, which can make them feel softer than innerspring or latex models with a similar numerical rating.

A mattress that is too soft may allow a sleeper’s midsection to sink in too far, putting a strain on the spine. However, a mattress that is too firm could create pressure points and put the spine out of alignment, particularly for side sleepers.

While the ideal mattress firmness is subjective, understanding the factors at play can help you find your ideal firmness setting.

Making Your Sleep Environment More Comfortable

The right mattress is an important component of putting together a comfortable sleep environment, but it isn’t the only factor. Sleep accessories can help modify your sleep surface to promote a more comfortable night’s sleep. Pillows and mattress toppers may put the final touches on your sleep space.

Pillows

While your mattress supports your body, your pillow supports your head and neck. The wrong pillow can put your spine out of alignment and strain your neck, leading to back and neck pain.

As is the case with mattresses, pillow comfort is subjective. However, an individual’s preferred sleep position can influence how thick of a pillow will feel best to them. A pillow should lift your head enough to straighten your neck and promote proper alignment.

Side sleepers’ heads usually lift the farthest off their mattress due to the breadth of their shoulders, so they frequently favor pillows with a medium or a high loft to fill the gap between the mattress and their heads and necks. Back sleepers have less space to fill, so they often prefer medium loft pillows. Stomach sleepers often sleep without a pillow or with a low loft pillow since a pillow could force their heads backward.

Sleeping PositionPillow Loft Recommended
BackMedium
SideMedium or High
StomachLow

Additional pillows may also make the sleep surface more comfortable. Some sleepers enjoy wedge pillows to prop up their legs or upper bodies. Knee pillows can help a side sleeper maintain proper spinal alignment while preventing the sleeper’s knees from rubbing together. Body pillows can allow the sleeper to prop up their body or separate their knees, providing flexible options for changing comfort preferences.

Mattress Toppers

If your mattress isn’t as comfortable as you’d like, a mattress topper may help adjust the feel to better meet your needs and preferences. A mattress topper is an extra layer that you place on top of your existing mattress. Toppers are generally less expensive than replacing a mattress, making them a popular option for sleepers who want to try out a different feel.

Mattress toppers are available in a wide array of materials, including memory foam, polyfoam, latex, down, and down alternative. For sleepers who have wondered if they might like the hug of memory foam or the responsiveness of latex, a mattress topper can offer an opportunity to try the material without committing to a full mattress.

Thinner mattress toppers usually add some cushioning to the sleep surface, while thicker toppers modify the surface more significantly. A thicker mattress topper may provide similar contouring and pressure relief to that of a mattress with the same material in its comfort layer.

While a mattress topper may make a sleep surface more comfortable, it does not offer the same advantages of a new mattress and cannot fix a mattress that isn’t in good condition. Mattress toppers can give cushioning, contouring, and pressure relief, but they generally don’t provide support. If your mattress is sagging or lacks support, a mattress topper probably won’t affect the comfort significantly.

What Mattress Features Are Important for Comfort?

When purchasing a mattress, several factors may affect how comfortable it feels to an individual. While some mattress companies may advertise that their mattresses are comfortable for everyone, comfort is highly subject. Focusing on the most important details may make it easier to determine whether a mattress will be comfortable for you.

  • Mattress Type: The type of mattress affects its feel, which may influence whether or not it is comfortable for an individual. Depending on the mattress’s materials, it may have bounce, contouring, edge support, motion isolation, temperature regulation, and other properties that could contribute to a comfortable night’s sleep. Understanding the effect of mattress materials can help you select the most comfortable mattress for you.
  • Contouring: Contouring refers to how a mattress adjusts to the sleeper’s body. A mattress that contours well may evenly distribute the weight of the sleeper’s body to reduce pressure points and associated aches and pains.
  • Quality Materials: Quality materials often lend to superior performance and longevity. Since mattresses with high-quality materials often hold up better and resist sagging, they may be able to provide a comfortable night’s sleep for years to come.
  • Firmness Level: Firmness influences how comfortable a mattress feels to an individual. When assessing a mattress’s firmness, sleepers must also take into account their weight and sleep position to find the right balance of contouring and support.
  • Pressure Relief: Pressure relief and contouring generally go hand in hand. A mattress that contours well frequently spreads out the weight of a person’s body, relieving pressure that may otherwise build around the hips and shoulders.
  • Responsiveness: Another important factor in the comfort of a mattress is the responsiveness, or ‘bounce’ of a mattress. Responsive mattress are usually less conforming and more bouncy. This has the benefit of making the mattress easier to move around on. Additionally, a responsive mattress tends to be better for having sex on. Generally, close-conforming materials like memory foam and polyfoam are less responsive, while latex, innerspring, and some hybrids are more responsive.
  • Temperature Control: One of the most uncomfortable things is waking up hot and sweaty in the middle of the night, which is why temperature control plays a big role in the comfort of a mattress. All-foam mattresses tend to trap a lot of body heat, making the bed sleep hot. Innersprings and hybrids with coil support cores allow for more airflow throughout the bed, making it sleep cooler. Latex is a more temperature neutral alternative to foam in the comfort layers.

Policies

  • What mattress is most comfortable for side sleepers?Generally speaking, side sleepers prefer softer mattresses compared to back or stomach sleepers. This is because the side position does not promote even alignment, so sleepers often need extra cushioning around the shoulders and hips in order to line up these areas with the spine. However, the ideal level of cushioning will depend on the sleeper’s weight.Side sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds tend to favor softer mattresses, those who weigh more than 230 pounds typically prefer firmer ones, and anyone in the 130-230 range will probably be content with a medium soft to medium firm mattress. The most popular types of mattresses among side sleepers are foam, latex, and foam hybrid models.
  • What mattress is most comfortable for sleepers with back pain?Mattress selection is important for sleepers with back pain – if they choose the wrong model, their discomfort may actually worsen, whereas the right mattress will alleviate aches and tension in order to promote more restful sleep. Side sleepers with back pain should opt for a mattress with foam or latex layers that cushion the shoulders and hips. This will help to improve alignment and take pressure off of the lower back.If you weigh less than 130 pounds and experience chronic back pain, then a soft to medium mattress will probably best suit your needs. Those who weigh 130-230 pounds may want to opt for a medium soft to medium firm mattress, depending on their sleep position – side sleepers generally prefer softer mattresses than back or stomach sleepers. Sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds will likely receive the relief they need from a medium firm to firm mattress.
  • What mattress is most comfortable for stomach sleepers?Stomach sleeping is a tricky position because it often causes more aches and pains than side or back sleeping. This is because we tend to carry more weight in our torso and hips than other areas of the body, so sleeping face-down can cause us to sink deeply beneath the surface. Aches and pains in the neck, shoulders, lower back, and hips often follow. For this reason, stomach sleepers generally need a firm mattress with minimal padding and a strong support system. The specific firmness level will depend on your body weight.
  • What mattress is most comfortable for back sleepers?Back sleepers often prefer mattresses with balanced feels. Some conforming will alleviate pressure in sensitive areas, while a sturdy support core ensures minimal sinkage between the shoulders and hips. Back sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds may be satisfied with a mattress that falls between medium soft and medium, while those who weigh more should consider a medium firm to firm model instead.