Written by Logan Block, Mattress Reviewer
In a survey conducted by the Better Sleep Council, nearly half of American adults say they prefer a soft or very soft mattress. But as Sleepopolis Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta points out, there is such a thing as your mattress being too soft.
“An overly soft mattress may lead to poor spinal alignment and lack of support, contributing to discomfort in your back,” says Dr. Dasgupta. “It’s crucial to find a balance that supports your sleeping position while providing comfort.”
So while you may want your bed to feel cushioning and soft to the touch, you’ll also want it to provide the correct type of support for your sleeping position, in addition to accommodating your body weight/type and overall preferences. The best soft mattress for one person might not be best for another, which is something I kept in mind when compiling the below list.
In my mini review of each mattress, I’ll explain the bed’s overall feel, what types of sleepers will benefit from it (as well as which types won’t), and what real-life users have said about these mattresses on review sites. I’ve also kept a variety of budgets in mind; these beds range from $1,373 to $2,233 for a queen size before any promotions. And most of them are significantly cheaper after discounts.
So, if you’re ready to invest in your cloud-like mattress, but don’t know what other factors you should take into consideration, allow us to explain them to you throughout this roundup of the best soft mattresses. Sleepopolis has already helped 12,544 people find a mattress in 2024, and we hope to do the same for you.
My Top Pick for Soft Mattresses
Helix earns the top spot on this list with its softest model, the Sunset. I’ve found it to be one of the softest — but still supportive — beds I’ve ever tested. Along with this winning combo, it also sleeps quite cool.
Best Soft Mattresses of 2024
- Helix Sunset – Best Overall Soft Mattress
- WinkBed – Best Soft Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Soft Mattress for Hot Sleepers
- Nectar Premier – Best Soft Mattress for Hip Pain
- Saatva – Best Soft Mattress for Couples
- Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Soft Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Nolah Signature – Best Soft Memory Foam Mattress
- Leesa Sapira Chill – Best Soft Mattress for Back Pain
Best Soft Mattress 2024 Video
What I Look For In The Best Soft Mattresses
Materials
When looking for a soft mattress, I know one of your biggest concerns is how it feels. With this in mind, I tested various materials such as latex, memory foam, and hybrid mattresses to help you find the best soft mattress for your specific needs and wants.
Motion Isolation
Motion isolation refers to how how well a mattress keeps movement from rippling across the bed while you’re in it. That way, you can enjoy the softness of the bed without being disturbed by your pets or partners. To do this, I performed three different tests. First, there’s the ball drop, where I measure the movement across the mattress on a seismograph. In the second test, I put a glass of red wine on the mattress to see how much the liquid moves around with my tossing and turning. Lastly, I lie down with a colleague and we observe how much of each other’s movement we can feel.
Breathability and Cooling
To test the cooling and breathable properties of each of these mattresses, I used a thermal gun to look at the bed’s temperature change after lying on it for 5 minutes. I also looked inside each mattress to check out its construction and see for myself how breathable the materials are.
Compare the Best Soft Mattresses
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| Helix Sunset Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress | Nectar Premier Mattress | Saatva Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress | Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid | Birch Natural Mattress | |
| Rating | |||||||||
| Firmness | Soft: 5.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-soft: 6/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Soft: 5.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Innerspring | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | |||||
| Best For |
Joint Pain,
Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers
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Hot Sleepers,
Back Pain, Side Sleepers |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Back Pain, Stomach Sleepers
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Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Seniors
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Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors
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Side Sleepers,
Back Pain |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hip Pain,
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Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors,
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What is Considered a Soft Mattress?
Here at Sleepopolis, we score mattress firmness on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. We always have several expert testers score the mattress, and then average the scores to find the final firmness level. A score of 6.5 is the standard for a true medium-firm mattress. Typically, a soft mattress falls at or below a 6.5 on the firmness scale. A score of 6 out of 10 is still considered a soft mattress, but it leans medium-soft and has a more balanced feel. Some of the mattresses on this roundup fall at a 5.5 on the firmness scale, making them super soft.
Helix Sunset – Best Overall Soft Mattress
The Helix Sunset is the softest model in Helix’s mattress collection. This hybrid mattress is constructed with two layers of soft foam and a layer of individually wrapped coils. The top layer of memory foam is made from Copper Gel Memory Foam and High-Grade Helix Response Foam. Together, these soft foams work to gently cushion the sleeper’s most sensitive joints. The layer of coils below provide, lift, support, and a bit of bounce. We think this mattress is a great pick for side sleepers, who typically need a soft mattress to cradle their hips and shoulders.
What our tester says:
“The standard Helix Sunset model has a typical memory foam feel that should work well for back and side sleepers. It excels at being pressure-relieving around the joints, especially the shoulders, hips, and knees.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
The Helix Sunset is the softest hybrid mattress that Helix’s brand offers, and it also comes in two distinct models: the Helix Sunset and the Helix Sunset Luxe (the luxury version). When I laid down on the bed to test it out, I experienced a lot of pressure relief and contouring, and ended up giving it a score of 5.5 on our mattress firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. For context, the industry standard for medium firm is 6.5, so this is a very soft bed, despite having a layer of supportive coils at the bottom. If you’re looking for a firmer feel, the zoned lumbar support included in the Helix Sunset Luxe offers more support in certain areas of the mattress, such as around the hips and lumbar region. If you opt for the standard Sunset, it comes with a 100-night sleep trial and 10-year warranty, where the Luxe version has a 100-night trial and 15-year warranty.
WinkBed Mattress – Best Soft Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
The WinkBed is a luxury hybrid mattress. It has a similarly supportive and sturdy feel to a traditional innerspring mattress, but upgrades like a Euro top and cooling Tencel cover give it a touch of modern luxury. Available in three firmness levels, there is a WinkBed for just about every sleeper. And a responsive and bouncy feel makes it a great pick for combination sleepers. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“If you like the feel of a traditional innerspring mattress, the WinkBed could work for you. Since this bed offered great pressure relief around my lumbar region, I’d also recommend it to folks who suffer from lower back pain.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
The WinkBed comes in three different models: Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer. While the Softer may seem like the obvious recommendation here, the Luxury Firm or Firm will actually be the best option for stomach sleepers to ensure their hips aren’t sinking too deeply into the mattress. But no matter which firmness level you choose, you should experience pleasant softness from the Euro top layer. Even with this soft upper layer, I got plenty of support from the WinkBed’s extra-tall layer of helix coils while in the stomach-sleeping position. This layer helps keep the hips lifted and in line with the shoulders, which is crucial for stomach sleepers preventing back pain. If you’d like to test out the Winkbed yourself, it comes with a 120-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Soft Mattress for Hot Sleepers
The Brookyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress is one of Brooklyn Bedding’s more high-end mattresses. It’s got a ton of cooling features in it that can help hot sleepers sleep cool all night. It’s also available in three different firmnesses, so it can accommodate all of the sleeping positions. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“First and foremost, I’d recommend this mattress to hot sleepers. This bed sleeps nice and cool thanks to special phase change technology and gel infusions. The Aurora Luxe is also a nice pick for back sleepers. This mattress in the Medium model is medium-soft, so it should contour the hips while also lifting them into alignment.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
The Aurora Luxe is Brooklyn Bedding’s most popular mattress model, and for good reason. It includes a cooling cover, specially formulated foams, and pocketed coils, making this a hybrid mattress. The Aurora Luxe comes in three firmness levels, Soft, Medium, and Firm, and the Medium level scored a 6.5 on our firmness scale. I think the Soft version would be around 5.5 or 6, making it the best model for anyone who prefers an extra-plush bed.
Many soft mattresses have trouble with heat retention because of the foams used in their construction. The Aurora Luxe counteracts this stereotype. It includes a special phase change technology in its construction that helps the mattress sleep cool, making it a great choice for hot sleepers and couples. There’s also copper-infused foam treated with TitanCool in the comfort layer of the Aurora Luxe. This promotes airflow in the mattress, making it more breathable overall. When I used our thermal gun to measure the temperature increase after 5 minutes of my lying on the bed, it only went up by about 5 degrees — a further testament to the Aurora Luxe’s cooling abilities. If you’d like to see for yourself how cool the mattress is, you can do so during a 120-night trial period. The bed also comes with a 10-year warranty.
Nectar Premier – Best Soft Mattress for Hip Pain
The Nectar Premier is a luxurious all-foam mattress equipped with quality materials. A moisture-wicking cover and gel-infused comfort layer create a cooling, thermoregulating mattress for hot sleepers. Perhaps its strongest attribute is its next-level pressure relief. Six inches of foam work to contour sensitive areas, but the high-density foam at the bottom of the bed provides plenty of support. Watch our video review to learn more.
What our tester says:
“My favorite thing about the Nectar Premier is its great pressure relief. This medium-soft mattress is a great fit for side sleepers looking for plush comfort. It might also be a nice fit for sleepers who deal with shoulder pain.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
A soft mattress is usually a good choice for anyone struggling with hip pain, as its contouring properties can provide a lot of relief. This is especially true of the Nectar Premier, the luxury upgrade of the brand’s flagship foam mattress. It has a soft, slow-moving feel, as well as a cooling cover for added temperature regulation. As far as firmness goes, I found the Nectar Premier to be about a 6 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, which I’d classify as medium soft. The original Nectar is slightly firmer at 6.5 (the industry standard for medium firm), so if you’re interested in a soft mattress, the Premier is definitely the way to go.
When lying down on the Nectar Premier, I of course had to put it through our pressure map test and see how it looked for hip pain. I saw almost no pressure on my hips in all three sleeping positions, so I can confidently say that hip pain sufferers should feel some deep contouring and pressure relief. If you decide to purchase the Nectar Premier, it comes with a generous 365-night trial period and lifetime warranty.
Saatva Classic – Best Soft Mattress for Couples
The Saatva’s coil-on-coil construction provides a classic innerspring feel. It’s a good option for combo sleepers, who will want to feel free to switch positions and avoid feeling “stuck” in the mattress. It comes in three firmness levels, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs. The white glove delivery Saatva provides is an added perk and will save you the headache of getting rid of your old mattress (they take it away for free!). For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Saatva is a great option for back sleepers, as the Luxury Firm model provides enough cushioning for their lumbar region, but also lots of support to keep their spine in a neutral alignment.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
The Saatva Classic comes in multiple firmness options (Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm) and heights (11.5 inches and 14.5 inches), so customers can customize this mattress to fit their preferences and needs. For purposes of this article, I naturally recommend the Plush Soft. If you sleep with a partner, it should give you some decent contouring from its Eurotop and upper layer of memory foam, while its double layer of coils creates a lot of responsiveness and makes the bed easy to move around on. This makes the Saatva a great mattress for sex, and thus a great mattress for couples. It also has a reinforced edge support system that combines coils and polyfoam. So you and your partner shouldn’t have to worry about falling off the edge. Instead, you can spread out and take advantage of the full surface area of this mattress. If you think the Saatva’s the right fit for you, you can see for yourself during a 365-night trial and lifetime warranty.
Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Soft Mattress for Side Sleepers
The Bear Elite Hybrid uses foam and coils for a mix of support, cushioning, and cooling. While designed for athletes prioritizing wellness and recovery, sleepers of all activity levels can enjoy the many luxurious features. Enjoy zoned support for targeted relief, an “on top of” feel allowing for ease of movement, and cooling features throughout. For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I’d recommend the Bear Elite Hybrid for most back and stomach sleepers.I think these sleepers will get the needed pressure relief and contouring around the lower back and hips. This mattress does a wonderful job at offering body contouring while still helping the sleeper stay elevated and lifted as well. The layers of foam should provide comfort while the coil system should offer lots of support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
Expert Opinion
The Bear Elite Hybrid is Bear’s “ultra-luxurious” model, and it comes in three different firmness levels (Soft, Medium, and Firm) so customers can choose the right firmness for their personal preference. I tested the Medium model, which I scored a 6 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale. This makes it just slightly softer than the industry standard, and it should give side sleepers the pressure relief and contouring that they need along their hips and shoulders. If they’re looking for even more relief for their joints, they can choose the Soft model. If you want to give the Bear Elite Hybrid a try, it comes with a 120-night trial period, as well as a lifetime warranty.
Nolah Signature – Best Soft Memory Foam Mattress
If you’re looking for a soft yet supportive foam option, the Nolah Signature should be a good fit. It’s supportive enough for back sleepers, while also providing enough contouring for side sleepers, especially at the shoulders and hips where the put the most pressure while sleeping. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Nolah Signature is a great choice for a lot of back and side sleepers. The sinkage this mattress provides should be a nice match for these sleepers and offer the pressure relief they need.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
Expert Opinion
The Nolah Signature is available as both a hybrid and memory foam mattress, and for purposes of this roundup, we’re recommending the memory foam. The comfort layer is actually made of something called AirFoam, a proprietary material that’s meant to be more breathable than traditional memory foam that’s still plush. This construction makes the Signature one of the softest mattresses featured on the list. When lying down on the bed, I scored it a 5.5 on our firmness scale, making it softer than the industry standard. Of all the mattress materials, memory foam is the material that is most often associated with softness, and I think the Nolah Signature is a classic example of a memory foam bed. When I laid down on it, I felt the foams hugging my body, giving deep pressure relief at the lower back and shoulders. If you’d like to give the bed a spin for yourself, you can enjoy a 120-night trial period and lifetime warranty on the Signature.
Leesa Sapira Chill – Best Soft Mattress for Back Pain
The Leesa Sapira Chill is a hybrid mattress, available in three firmness levels. We tested the Medium-Firm model and felt it was just softer than average, but could still work for all three sleeping positions — a rare find among mattresses. It also has some effective cooling technology built into it, which helps to keep sleepers cool throughout the night. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I really think the medium-firm model is a great fit for all sleeping positions. Yep, the Leesa Sapira Chill is one of those unicorn mattresses that provides a great balance of comfort and support for a wide range of sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
Expert Opinion
If you’re a sleeper who struggles with back pain, it’s not always easy to find the best soft mattress. That’s because you’ll need something that gives you enough cushioning on the lumbar region for relief, while also offering enough support to keep your spine neutrally aligned (this is key to preventing further back pain). But you might just find both of these traits in the Leesa Sapira Chill’s softest version.
When testing out this hybrid mattress, I found it to have a plush feel that gave me a lot of relief at the lower back. But it was also responsive and easy to move around, which is no surprise considering the inclusion of sturdy coils. When I ran this hybrid mattress through our pressure map test, there was almost no pressure on my upper back or lumbar in all sleeping positions. I also found outstanding results for side sleeping as well, proving that it’s a good mattress for back pain sufferers. Also, the mattress comes with a 10-year warranty and 100-night trial period.
Who Should Sleep on a Soft Mattress?
Sleepers Who Weigh Under 150 Pounds
Because they put less pressure on a bed than average weight and heavyweight sleepers, lightweight sleepers may feel like they’re floating on top of medium or firmer mattresses. Softer materials will give these sleepers more sinkage and create deeper pressure relief.
Side Sleepers
In general, softer mattresses are ideally suited for side sleepers. The softer layers allow for a more contouring hug, as well as support along the curves of the body. Some back and stomach sleepers may also enjoy the softer feel, but it really comes down personal preference. I recommend taking a look at our best mattress for side sleepers page for other types of mattresses that might fit their needs.
People Who Like to Feel Hugged
People who like to feel hugged or cradled by their mattress at night might love a softer mattress. The materials generally offer that contouring feeling while still providing support.
Who Shouldn’t Sleep on a Soft Mattress?
Heavy Weight Sleepers
Sleepers weighing over 250 pounds tend to sink further into mattresses and experience them as softer than average weight sleepers. These sleepers may not find enough support from beds marketed as soft. If you’re a heavy weight sleeper looking for a soft bed, I’d recommend a medium-firm bed that falls at a 6.5 or 7 on our mattress firmness scale. You’ll still find a decent amount of sinkage, but will find better support.
Stomach Sleepers
Soft mattresses are generally not ideal for stomach sleepers. If the mattress is too soft, stomach sleepers’ hips sink into the bed and cause the lower back to form a U shape. This can lead to back pain over time, so I’d steer these sleepers towards firmer beds. Even in this roundup, I recommended a medium-firm option to stomach sleepers.
People Looking For Minimal Sinkage
If you prefer to feel more “on” the bed than “in” the bed, I would recommend looking for a firmer mattress. Soft mattresses offer more sinkage and body contouring. If you don’t like the feel of doughy foams, a firmer bed will keep your body propped up and prevent sinkage.
Hear from the Experts:
How do Soft Mattresses Affect Spinal Health and Alignment?
“Soft mattresses can sometimes lead to improper spinal alignment, especially if they allow the body to sink too deeply, resulting in an exaggerated curvature of the spine. At times, this can lead to discomfort, pain, and increased pressure on joints and muscles. However, if a soft mattress provides relief, support, and contours well to the body, it can still promote spinal health by relieving pressure points and allowing for a more restful sleep.”
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine
How I Test Soft Mattresses
Firmness
I rate each mattress I test on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, and 10 being the firmest. The industry standard for a medium-firm mattress sits at a 6.5, so mattresses scored under that number are considered soft, and mattresses scored over that number are considered firm. I generally recommend that stomach sleepers look for firmer mattresses (something between a 7 and 10 on our firmness scale,) whereas side and some back sleepers can still be supported by a softer mattress.
Cooling
Soft mattresses tend to use thicker materials, which could be more likely to trap heat. However, many mattress constructions have features that can combat this and make the beds more cooling. Examples include hybrid mattresses, mattresses with cooling gels and foams, and cooling fibers in mattress covers.
To help you find a mattress that stays cool throughout the night, I perform a cooling test on all of our mattresses. This involves using a thermal gun to measure the temperature of a mattress when it’s sitting, and after I lie down on the bed for five minutes. The difference in temperature tells me how good or bad at cooling a mattress is. I generally consider anything below an 10-degree difference to be good cooling, and below a 5-degree difference to be great cooling. You can find other cooling mattresses on our recommendations page for the best cool mattresses.
Mattress Material Type
Latex
As a material, latex foam is an excellent, eco-friendly choice for a mattress, and may also help reduce exposure to allergens such as dust. Natural latex is made from tree sap, meaning that it’s better for the environment than man-made materials, and also naturally allergen-repellant. It’s comfortable while providing necessary support, and its porous material makes it very breathable. Finally, latex is fairly bouncy, but not always very soft, so it may not be the best option if you’re looking for that hugging feel.
You can learn more on our page of the best latex mattresses.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses are with a combination of foam layers and layers made of coils (or springs). They also tend to stay cool because of the the space between the springs (this allows for breathability). Hybrid mattresses come in various levels of firmness, meaning you can find the perfect level of softness for you.
One issue with hybrid mattresses, however, is that they tend to be expensive, with most costing upwards of $1,000. If you’re interested in one of these beds, check out our page of the best hybrid mattresses.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is a distinct type of foam that’s slow-moving, contouring, and offers deep pressure relief. As the name implies, memory foam “remembers” your shape or the shape of something lying on the bed and maintains that shape for several minutes. Memory foam is a great option for sleepers who like to feel like they’re being hugged in by their bed. It’s also a great option for anyone who prefers sinkage and pressure relief, as opposed to an “on top of the bed” feeling.
Learn more on our page of the best memory foam mattresses.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are usually made from two layers of coils, or springs, and a thinner layer of foam on top. This is one of the oldest type of mattress constructions, and one that promotes strong support and excellent cooling. The springs also provide durability and soldi edge support. These mattresses are not generally hugging, however, so they may not be ideal for someone looking for a traditionally soft feel.
You can look at some of our favorite picks on our best innerspring mattress page.
Sleeping Position
When looking for the best soft mattress, you may want to consider how you sleep. When testing our mattresses, I make sure to lie on every single one in various sleeping positions to test out which bed might be best for back sleeping, side sleeping, stomach sleeping, etc. I also consider how the firmness, support, and pressure relief of each mattress which will help make them comfortable for your specific sleeping style. I generally recommend that stomach sleepers opt for a firmer mattress, but back sleepers and side sleepers might enjoy a softer mattress.
Hear from the Experts:
What is the Best Sleeping Position for Soft Mattresses?
“I recommend side sleeping on softer beds, as they allow your body to sink into the mattress while maintaining spinal alignment. Soft mattresses can relieve pressure points in your hips and shoulders while side sleeping. On the other hand, I discourage stomach sleeping on soft mattresses, as it can lead to excessive curvature in the neck and spine, potentially causing discomfort.”
Body Type
I make sure to test all of our mattresses with the consideration that everyone has a different body type. Extra-soft mattresses may not provide the right support for heavier sleepers, but we have a list of the best mattresses for heavy sleepers to help them find the ideal bed. Folks under 150 pounds can look on our best mattresses for lightweight sleepers.
Typically for heavyweight sleepers, I would not recommend a soft mattress. Heavy people will naturally sink further into the layers, so I recommend sticking to a medium-firm bed that will keep them lifted and give them the requisite amount of pressure relief and support. If you’re a heavy side sleeper who needs pressure relief and cushioning at the shoulders and hips, go for a medium-firm hybrid or pillow top mattress to get the best of both worlds.
| Lightweight Sleepers | Average Weight Sleepers | Heavyweight Sleepers |
| < 150 pounds | 150–250 pounds | > 250 pounds |
Motion Isolation
Motion isolation refers to a mattress’s ability to keep movement from rippling across the mattress. If you sleep with a partner, a bed with low motion transfer will prevent you from feeling their movement.
We test for motion isolation in a couple of ways. First, I place a glass of wine on one side of the mattress and observe how much the liquid moves if I roll around on the other side. I also drop steel balls from various heights and use a seismograph to measure the disturbance. When reading the seismograph, the larger the waves, the worse the bed has performed in motion isolation.
Edge Support
Edge support refers to the strength of the perimeter of the mattress. Strong edge support helps couples use the full surface of the bed without falling off. Soft mattresses tend to have weaker edge support, although there are exceptions to the rule. When testing for edge support, I use a tape measure or yard stick to measure how much the layers collapse when I lie and sit on the edge of the bed.
Durability and Quality of Soft Mattresses
Soft mattresses generally have a shorter lifespan compared to firmer beds due to the increased wear and tear on the soft materials. The cushioning layers can also compress and lose their supportive and pressure-reliving abilities. Soft mattresses typically last around 5 to 7 years, but this can vary based on factors like materials, usage, and care. I suggest rotating your mattress every 6 months to increase longevity and keep an eye out for sagging mattress areas that may cause pressure points.
Company Policies
Warranties
A mattress warranty refers to the duration of time that a company is willing to replace your mattress if it doesn’t live up to the standard you were promised. Warranties also give us an idea as to how durable a mattress might be and how long you should expect it to last. Because soft mattresses are so naturally supple, they tend to sag a lot faster, so make sure to read the fine print of your policy.
Sleep Trials
A sleep trial’s purpose is to allow you to test the mattress in the comfort of your own home to see if it’s the right fit. It’s especially crucial to have a generous sleep trial for a soft mattress, as you need to make sure they stay cool, mold to your body, and don’t misalign your hips and spine. Most companies offer 30–100 day trials, and I recommend you stick to anything longer than 60 days. This allows you to break in the mattress and determine if its a good fit for your sleeping preferences.
Shipping
As you can imagine, shipping a mattress isn’t always straightforward, and sometimes can come at a high price point. Luckily, all the mattresses I’ve selected here offer free shipping. Some companies even offer a service called white glove delivery where they hand-deliver the mattress, set it up in your room, and even remove your old bed. This service is definitely worth it for anyone who suffers from chronic pain, is setting up their mattress by themself, or struggles with mobility issues.
What Certifications Should I Look for in a Soft Mattress?
When choosing a soft mattress, be sure to look for certifications such as CertiPUR-US® for safe materials, and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 to ensure it’s free from harmful materials. This is especially crucial for foam mattresses that are typically soft. Additionally, GREENGUARD Gold certification can indicate that the mattress meets a high standard for air quality and chemical emissions. These certifications help ensure that the mattress is both comfortable and made from safe, high-quality materials.
Hear from the Experts:
How do Soft Mattresses Impact Health Conditions & Joint Pain?
“Soft mattresses can provide pressure relief for those with joint pain by cushioning sensitive areas, which may help alleviate discomfort during sleep. However, if a bed is too soft, it can also lead to misalignment, potentially exacerbating conditions like arthritis or chronic pain due to insufficient support for proper spinal alignment.”
How Will Soft Mattresses Affect My Back Pain?
Back pain can occur for any type of sleeper, regardless of what position they sleep in. It can also be caused by a variety of factors, though sleeping on your side with good mattress support may help prevent back pain. In general, most who struggle with back pain will require a medium, slightly firm, or firm mattress. A soft mattress — even one with good support — can create additional problems and pain for the back.
For those who suffer from back pain, but are certain they still want a softer feel, selecting a mattress with a modern thin cover design can help – here are our favorite mattress picks if you experience back pain. You can also check out our best mattress topper roundup for more options.
What Causes Back Pain?
Traditional quilted covers, padded, or pillow top covers that are excessively soft are most liable to exacerbate back pain. However, thin covers where the softness of the mattress is derived from supportive foam, coil, or hybrid layers generally provide a stronger and more supportive base.
Mattress Support vs. Firmness
Mattress support and mattress firmness are two stand-alone qualities in any mattress. While they do work in tandem, they’re not one and the same. Good mattress support simply means that the bed keeps your spine in proper alignment without creating pressure points that can keep you from getting a good night’s sleep. Mattress firmness, on the other hand, is defined as how hard or soft a mattress feels. Different manufacturers use different materials to convey varying levels of firmness. You can find the best firmness for you in our mattress firmness guide.
Health Concerns and Soft Mattresses
Chronic pain in your back, neck, hips, or joints may not be helped by soft mattresses, and sleepers who experience these issues may not get the support they need from softer beds. While certain kinds of pain can be alleviated from a softer mattress, joint and spinal alignment, as well as support, generally come from a firmer mattress. You can look into our recommendations for the best mattresses for neck pain, hip pain, and back pain to learn more.
FAQs
Is it good to sleep on a soft mattress?
By definition, a soft mattress isn’t unhealthy per se, but you want to make sure it has enough support to keep your spine in a neutral alignment. Remember, support and firmness are different things, so you want to make sure you purchase a bed that’s made with durable materials and isn’t so soft that you feel like you’re going to sink down into its foundation.
What type of mattress is most soft?
While it might vary from bed to bed, all-foam mattresses are generally going to be softer than hybrid or innerspring mattresses.
Can a soft mattress damage your back?
If your mattress is too soft and doesn’t have enough support to keep your spine neutrally aligned, then yes, it can cause back pain and possibly lead to further issues.
How durable is a soft mattress?
The durability of a mattress usually depends on its construction, edge support, and materials. While some softer foams may start to deteriorate quicker than firmer foams or coils, softer mattresses that are well-made should be no less durable than other kinds of beds. I test for all of the qualities in our mattresses to make sure you’re getting something durable that’s still soft and cozy.
Is memory foam the best type of soft mattress?
Memory foam is a great option for sleepers looking for a feeling that’s hugging, cozy, and soft. However, it’s not the only option for soft mattresses. There are many other kinds of foam that can provide that same feeling for a cheaper price. There are also foams that may be better for cooling or support, depending on what you need. Check out our recommendations for the best hybrid mattresses to learn more.
Can a soft mattress cause hip pain?
Quite the contrary. In fact, a soft mattress can actually help with hip pain, especially when side sleeping. The soft materials allow for greater sinkage and body contouring at the hips, thus providing pressure relief and reducing pain. Just make sure the soft mattress is still supportive to prevent too much sinkage.
How can I make a firm mattress softer?
I think the best way to soften up a mattress is by adding a mattress topper. Mattress toppers are essentially an added layer of material that can help with the bed’s general feel. If softness is what you seek, I recommend looking for a memory foam topper. Toppers come in a variety of materials and firmness levels, and you can learn more about them here.
How We Chose These Mattresses
We’ve reviewed more than 300 products in our mattress lab, running each one through tests such as pressure-mapping and measuring motion transfer with a seismometer. From there, we give every bed an overall score based on materials, comfort, support, cooling, and edge support. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.
For our roundup of the best soft mattresses, we also included a somewhat obvious additional category: firmness. Every bed on this list either has a soft option or scored a 6 out of 10 or lower on our mattress firmness scale. For context, the industry standard for medium-firm is 6.5. Click here to learn more about our methodology.
Best Soft Mattresses
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen) | Coupon | Review |
| Helix Sunset | Best Overall | $1,373 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review |
| WinkBed | Stomach Sleepers | $1,799 | WinkBeds Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe | Cooling | $1,865 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Nectar Premier | Hip Pain | $2,233 | Nectar Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Saatva | Couples | $1,995 | Saatva Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | Side Sleepers | $2,111 | Bear Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Nolah Signature | Memory Foam | $1,799 | Nolah Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Leesa Sapira Chill | Back Pain | $2,159 | Leesa Coupon | Read Our Review |
Sources
“The Soft Vs. Firm Mattress Debate: Finding Peace In the Split.” CertiPUR-US Home Sweet Foam Blog.
Back Pain. National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. March 2024.
Logan Block
Former Content Director
About Author
Logan is the former content director of Sleepopolis. As content director, he reviewed new mattresses every week and curated the comparisons, best of pages, and video guides on the site. Logan perfected his method by personally testing over 200 different mattresses, so he’s not only able to discern the overall vibe of a specific bed, but to contextualize its feel within the bed-in-a-box market as a whole.
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