How to Choose the Right Mattress Firmness

Tired of waking up stiff, sore, or tossing and turning all night? Your mattress could be the culprit. Choosing the right firmness is about more than preference; it impacts your comfort, spinal alignment, and overall sleep quality. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to pick the mattress that’s just right for you

What is Mattress Firmness?

Mattress firmness describes how a mattress feels when you lie on it. Do you sink into the surface, or do you feel it push back to support you? Your preferred firmness generally depends on:

• Sleeping position
• Body weight and shape
• Health considerations (back pain, joint stiffness)
• Sleeping companions (partners, kids, pets)

Tired of waking up with a sore back? Check out our guide on choosing the right mattress for back pain to get the support you need.

Mattress Firmness Scales Explained

Mattress firmness can feel a little confusing at first, but it’s really all about how your body interacts with your bed. To make it easier, most mattresses are scored on a 1 to 10 firmness scale. This gives you a clear idea of what to expect before you even lie down.

• 1-2/10 (Ultra Soft): Cloud-like comfort that almost hugs your body. Perfect if you love sinking in completely, but usually better for side sleepers or lighter body types.
• 3-5/10 (Soft): Contours nicely to your curves and relieves pressure points. Great for side sleepers or anyone who wants gentle cushioning.
• 6-7/10 (Medium/Medium-Firm): The sweet spot for many sleepers. You get a sink with firm support underneath. Ideal if you’re a back sleeper or share your bed with a partner.
• 8-10/10 (Firm/Extra Firm): Minimal sink, maximum support. Your body rests on top, not in the mattress. Perfect for stomach sleepers or those who need solid spinal support.

Remember: Firmness isn’t the same as support. A mattress can feel soft but still provide great support if it keeps your spine aligned. Conversely, a firm mattress isn’t always supportive for everyone. Your preferred firmness depends on your sleeping position, weight, and personal comfort.

How Firmness Impacts Your Sleep?

Your mattress firmness isn’t about how it feels when you lie down; it directly affects how well you sleep and wake up feeling refreshed. The right firmness helps you stay supported, reduces pressure points, and keeps both you and your partner comfortable.
Here’s how firmness plays a role:

• Spinal alignment: A mattress with the right firmness keeps your spine neutral, helping reduce morning aches and stiffness.
• Pressure relief: Soft layers or contouring foam ease tension in shoulders, hips, and back, so you can sleep without discomfort.
• Partner disturbances: Firmer mattresses limit roll-together motion, while softer layers absorb movement for undisturbed sleep.

Tip: Check out our Mattress Size Guide to understand how you can pair the right size of mattress with your firmness choice.

Choosing Mattress Firmness by Sleeping Position

Not all sleepers are created the same. Your sleeping position changes, where your body needs support and picking the right firmness can make a world of difference in how refreshed you feel in the morning. 

Here’s a breakdown:

Side Sleepers: Soft to Medium (3-6/10)

Side sleepers, your shoulders and hips take the brunt of your weight. A softer mattress that hugs your curves keeps your spine in line and eases pressure. Less tossing, more turning into sweet dreams.

Back Sleepers: Medium to Firm (5-7/10)

If you sleep on your back, we recommend that you get a mattress that lifts and supports your spine while giving just enough cushion. Medium to firm mattresses prevent your lower back from sagging and keep those morning aches away.

Stomach Sleepers: Firm to Extra Firm (7-10/10)

Stomach sleepers, your hips need extra lift, so your spine stays straight. A firmer mattress stops your torso from sinking too far, keeping your back happy and your mornings pain-free.

Combination Sleepers: Medium (6/10)

If you toss and turn throughout the night, a mattress with medium firmness is what we recommend. With a special feature of adapting as you move, this mattress type supports the key points and keeps your spine aligned no matter how you sleep.

Side or back sleepers are highly likely to struggle with aches, and a mattress designed for extra support can benefit them. Check out our How to Choose the Right Mattress for Back Pain blog for some more useful tips.

Other Factors to Consider

Picking the right mattress isn’t just about firmness; it's about finding one that works for your body, your space, and even your household. That makes a few more factors worth thinking about before you hit that “add to cart” button.

Body Type and Weight

Your body weight can change how a mattress feels. Heavier sleepers usually find firmer mattresses more supportive, while lighter sleepers often prefer something softer for that “floating on a cloud” comfort. Zoned support layers can also be a real win; they’re designed to give more support where you need it most and extra cushioning where you don’t.

Partners and Pets

Sharing a bed? Then you know the struggle of feeling every roll, stretch, or paw tap. Medium to medium-firm mattresses often hit the sweet spot, offering both contouring comfort and sturdy support. Plus, look for mattresses with motion isolation, so you won’t wake up every time your partner (or furry friend) decides to shift around.

Mattress Size and Room Layout

Size really does matter here. A bigger mattress gives you more room to stretch out, but make sure your bedroom layout works with it. You’ll want at least 60 cm of clearance around the bed so you’re not squeezing past furniture. For smaller rooms, think storage-smart beds like the Sorvino, which give you extra space without cramping your style.

Test Before You Buy

Visit an Amart Sleep Zone store to lie down on different mattresses and feel the difference. Our friendly staff will guide you through firmness levels based on your sleeping style, body type, and comfort needs. Want your mattress to be delivered? Explore our full mattress range and directly place an order.

FAQs: Questions to ask when buying a mattress

What mattress firmness is better for back pain?

A medium-firm mattress is usually best for back pain. It supports your spine’s natural curve without feeling too hard or too soft. The right firmness can ease pressure points and help you wake up with fewer aches.

How to determine which mattress is the best to purchase?

Start with your sleep style: side, back, or stomach. Then, factor in body weight, room size, and whether you share your bed. Comfort testing in-store helps, but our Mattress Buying Guide makes it simple to narrow down choices. 

What type of mattress is best for people with pets?

If your pets share the bed, durability and motion isolation matter most. A medium to firm mattress with strong edges keeps everyone comfortable without sagging. Stain-resistant or easy-clean options are also a smart choice.

Is there any mattress suitable for all sleep positions?

Medium-firm mattresses are often considered the most versatile as they provide enough cushioning for side sleepers while keeping back and stomach sleepers supported. While no mattress is perfect for everyone, medium-firm options are a safe bet for households with mixed sleeping styles.