What Mattress Firmness Is Best?

Updated : 20 Feb 2025
Published : 03 Feb 2025
Tips & Advice

Finding the right mattress is like choosing the perfect pair of shoes, it has to feel just right, offer the support you need, and work well with your lifestyle.

The firmness of your mattress plays a hugely important role in the quality of your sleep, influencing everything from how your body is supported to how cosy or cool you feel during the night.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the very best choice. Whether you are peritintire looking for a mattress that cradles you in comfort, or one that offers firm support to keep you going after long days, you’ll find all the helpful advice you need right here.

How to Choose the Right Mattress Firmness

Finding the right mattress firmness is all about making sure that your bed supports your body, is comfortable, and suits the climate you live in.

A mattress that feels perfect for one person might not be so perfect for another, so knowing what firmness works best for you is essential. Here is how you can decide.

Your Sleeping Position

he way you sleep has a significant impact on the level of firmness you should choose.

Back sleepers tend to benefit from a medium-firm mattress, as it provides the support needed to maintain proper spinal alignment whilst still offering enough cushioning to remain comfortable throughout the night.

For side sleepers, a softer mattress is often more suitable because it helps to relieve pressure on the shoulders and hips, which are the areas that bear the most weight in this position.

Stomach sleepers often need a firmer mattress so that their hips do not sink lower than their torso, which can help to prevent lower back discomfort. If you move between positions during the night, a medium-firm mattress can help with the balance and flexibility needed to accommodate different sleeping styles.

Your Body Weight and Mattress Feel

Weight can significantly influence how a mattress feels and performs over time.

Lighter individuals will often find that firmer mattresses are too rigid because they aren’t heavy enough to fully compress the surface. A softer mattress may feel more comfortable and supportive without being overly firm.

On the other hand, those on the heavier side typically require a firmer mattress, as these provide the additional support needed to prevent sinking too deeply and maintain proper spinal alignment.

Many UK brands offer mattresses tailored to different weight ranges, making it easier to find a firmness level that suits your needs.

The Role of Climate and Comfort

The UK’s varying climate can also influence what type of mattress firmness will work best.

During colder months, softer mattresses with materials like memory foam can feel more comfortable, as they provide warmth and contouring that creates a snug, cosy environment.

In warmer weather, however, firmer mattresses made with breathable materials such as pocket springs can helo with temperature regulation by promoting better airflow. If you want a mattress that is just right regardless of the season, hybrid designs that combine memory foam with pocket springs can offer the best of both worlds.

Finding the Right Balance

When choosing the right firmness, it’s important to consider how your mattress will perform night after night. It should not only feel comfortable when you first lie down but also provide that consistent support and contour we all need when we sleep.

By taking all of this into account, you can choose a mattress that improves your sleep, helping you to wake up feeling rested and ready for the day ahead.

What Is The Best Mattress Firmness?

Choosing the right mattress firmness is a crucial part of creating the perfect sleep environment. Here’s a closer look at the three most popular firmness levels and who they’re best suited for, with plenty of practical advice to help you decide.

Are Soft Mattresses Best?

Soft mattresses are a fantastic option for lighter sleepers, side sleepers, or anyone who loves the feeling of sinking into a cosy, plush surface at the end of the day.

If you often wake up with sore shoulders or hips, a softer mattress can help by taking some of the pressure away from these more sensitive areas. This makes them particularly appealing for those who sleep on their side and want a mattress that adapts to their shape.

During the colder months, when temperatures drop, soft and cosy mattresses can add an extra layer of warmth and comfort, making your bedroom feel super comforting. They’re also perfect for creating that indulgent, luxurious sleeping experience that we all love. However, if you have a heavier body weight, a softer mattress might not provide the support you really need, so it’s important to consider how it will hold up over time.

Here at Next Divan, we offer a wide range of fantastic soft and supportive mattresses that balance comfort with quality, giving you a plush sleeping experience that is made to last.

Are Medium-Firm Mattresses Best?

Medium-firm mattresses are the most versatile choice and are often recommended if you’re unsure about what firmness level to go for. They provide a strong mix of support and comfort, making them a smart choice for back sleepers. They’re also ideal for combination sleepers who move and fidget around during the night.

This firmness level is particularly popular among couples because it suits a variety of preferences, which means you don’t have to compromise if you and your partner have different sleeping styles.

Whether you prefer a hybrid design for added flexibility or a pocket-sprung option for a more traditional feel, medium-firm mattresses are widely available across the UK.

Are Firm Mattresses Best?

Firm mattresses are designed for those who need extra support, whether it’s to ease back pain or to ensure proper alignment throughout the night.

They’re particularly well-suited to stomach sleepers, as the added firmness helps keep the hips level with the rest of the body, which is essential for avoiding discomfort.

Heavier sleepers also tend to prefer firmer mattresses because they provide a stable surface that prevents sinking and ensures long-lasting comfort. Another benefit of firm mattresses is that they’re often more breathable, especially if they’re made with pocket springs.

Here at Next Divan, we have plenty of mattress options to choose from. We are well known for creating supportive mattresses that provide a comfortable place to rest and relax, at a competitive price too.

Finding The Perfect Mattress Firmness

The best possible mattress firmness depends entirely on what you prefer the most. Soft mattresses are perfect for gentle cushioning and warmth, medium-firm ones strike a balance that suits most people, and firm options provide the sturdy support needed for a great night’s sleep.

Signs You’re Using the Wrong Mattress Firmness

The warning signs that you are using the wrong type of mattress aren’t always clear, but if you are experiencing some of these warning signs, it could be a sign the mattress you have isn’t right for you.

Sign 1: You Have a Tough Time Getting Comfortable

Tossing and turning at night is to be expected every now and again, but if you just cannot get comfy every night, the mattress you are sleeping on might be wrong. This could be one of three things: your mattress is too firm, your mattress is too soft, or your mattress has lost the support it once had.

Sign 2: You Struggle To Get In and Out Of Bed

Do you find it difficult getting into and out of bed? If this is the case, the mattress might be too soft. Whilst more premium mattresses provide a cocooned feeling that make it hard to get out of bed because of how comfy they are, finding it difficult to get out of bed easily might be a clear sign that your mattress is lacking the firmness it needs to make sure your muscles can rest and repair at night.

Sign 3: You Wake Up With A Sore Back or Neck

This is one of the main tell tale signs that your mattress is not providing the support it should. If you find yourself getting into bed without back pain and waking up with it, your mattress is not supporting your back when you sleep and is actively making it worse. This is not something you should put up with and with a brand new mattress tailored to the way you sleep, you will notice the difference.

Sign 4: You Wake Up Feeling Tired

If you find yourself waking up feeling groggy or that you haven’t had enough sleep, even when you have had the recommended seven hours a day, this could be another key sign that your mattress is not providing the support it should be. Finding a mattress that is supportive, comfortable and tailored to the way you sleep is super important so you can wake up feeling refreshed.

Sign 5: Your Mattress Is Showing Visible Signs Of Wear and Tear

This could be a range of different things, but if you can feel that the spring in the mattress has gone, the mattress feels lumpy or just feels stiffer than it used to, your mattress is not providing the support it should. Visible signs such as tears, stains and other marks can all affect the quality of your mattress and if you think your mattress has seen better days, it is probably wise to find a replacement.

Final Words

And that concludes our blog on What Mattress Firmness Is Best? Ultimately, there isn’t any one ‘best firmness’ instead, the best mattress firmness comes down to what suits you best. Whether that be firm, soft, or something in between. We hope our advice has helped you today! Find your new favourite mattress here at Next Divan, where you will find a wide range of fantastic options.