Written by Logan Block, Mattress Reviewer
When most people think of a soft mattress, they imagine the typical plush, memory foam feel that really allows the sleeper to “sink” into the layers of the mattress. While this type of mattress can make you feel like you’re cocooned in comfort, not all types of sleepers will benefit from this in reality.
The best soft mattresses balance a fine line between support and firmness. While you may want your bed to feel soft to the touch, you also want it to provide the correct type of support for your sleeping style. Many different factors can influence your mattress decision, including sleeping position, body weight, pressure relief, and whether you sleep alone or with a partner. Also, keep in mind that the best soft mattress for one person might not be best for another.
With all this in mind, we’ve compiled our list of the best soft mattresses currently on the market. In our mini reviews on each mattress, we’ll explain each 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.
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.
Our Top Pick for Soft Mattresses
Helix earns the top spot on this list with its softest model, the Sunset. We’ve found it to be one of the softest – but still supportive – beds we’ve ever tested. Along with this winning combo, it also sleeps quite cool.
Best Soft Mattresses of 2023
- Helix Sunset – Best Overall Soft Mattress
- WinkBed – Best Soft Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- Nolah Signature – Best Memory Foam Mattress
- Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Soft Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Leesa – Best Soft Mattress for Back Pain
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Soft Mattress for Hot Sleepers
- Nectar Premier – Best Soft Mattress for Hip Pain
- Birch – Best Latex Mattress
- Layla – Best Flippable Mattress
- Saatva – Best Soft Mattress for Couples
- Puffy Lux Hybrid – Best Soft Hybrid Mattress
- Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt – Best Soft Mattress for Back Sleepers
Best Soft Mattress 2023 Video
Compare the Best Soft Mattresses
Helix Sunset Mattress
WinkBed Mattress
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Leesa Original Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
Nectar Premier Mattress
Birch Mattress
Layla Mattress
Saatva Mattress
Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress
TEMPUR-Adapt Mattress
Rating
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Multiple firmness options
Soft: 5.5/10
Multiple firmness options
Soft: 6/10
Multiple firmness options
Soft: 6/10
Medium-firm: 7/10
Multiple firmness options
Multiple firmness options
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Material
Hybrid
Hybrid
Foam
Hybrid
Foam
Hybrid
Foam
Hybrid
Foam
Innerspring
Hybrid
Foam
Cooling
--
✓
--
--
--
✓
--
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Sleep Position
Back & Side
Combination
Back & Side
Back & Side
Combination
Back & Side
Back & Side
Back & Stomach
Combination
Back & Stomach
Back & Side
Back
Helix Sunset – Best Overall Soft Mattress
The Helix Sunset is the brand's softest model, which makes it a great option for side sleepers looking for a plush, contouring feel. Its memory foam layer adds some nice sinkage and pressure relief as well.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Helix Sunset is the brand's softest model, which makes it a great option for side sleepers looking for a plush, contouring feel. Its memory foam layer adds some nice sinkage and pressure relief as well.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Helix Sunset is the brand's softest model, which makes it a great option for side sleepers looking for a plush, contouring feel. Its memory foam layer adds some nice sinkage and pressure relief as well.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Helix Sunset Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Helix Sunset Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Helix Sunset Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Expert Opinion
The Helix Sunset is the softest 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). This bed is made with a 100 percent polyester soft-touch cover to promote airflow throughout the mattress, making the Helix Sunset a good option for hot sleepers and couples who find themselves with double the body heat in their bed. The individually wrapped wire coils in the support layer of the Helix Sunset create a bouncy feel, and they are reinforced around the perimeter to give stable edge support (another perk for couples who want to spread out on the full surface area of their mattress without fear of sinkage or sagging).
The Helix Sunset scored a 5.5 on our firmness scale. This scale is determined using the objective rankings of multiple Sleepopolis mattress testers. A 5.5 on this scale is softer than the mattress industry standard, which is set at 6.5 for medium firm. However, 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.
What our tester says: “The standard Sunset has a typical memory foam feel that should work well for back and side sleepers. It excels at being pressure-relieving for joints like the shoulders, hips, and knees.” – Logan Block, former Sleepopolis director of content and mattress tester
What Customers Say
After reading the reviews on the Helix website, many users commented on how soft these mattress feels. This has helped these commenters find pressure relief for their joint pain, especially around their shoulders and lumbar region. Commenters also stated that they opted for the soft mattress topper (which is free of charge with the Helix Sunset), and that helped them find even more comfort.
Pros of the Helix Sunset Mattress
- Side sleepers should appreciate how soft the Helix Sunset is. These sleepers need more comfort and contouring around their hips and shoulders, since this is where they place the most pressure when they are sleeping. The soft feel of the Helix Sunset should give them the pressure relief they need in these areas.
- Lightweight sleepers who primarily sleep on their back or side should receive plenty of contouring of support, both from the Helix Sunset and the Helix Sunset Luxe. This mattress will feel slightly firmer to these sleepers, so it should keep their spine in a neutral alignment during the night.
- Sleepers who suffer from joint pain should experience relief from the Helix Sunset. This mattress is soft enough to contour their hips and shoulders, lessening the pressure in these areas.
Cons of the Helix Sunset Mattress
- Couples who are easily disturbed by their partner’s movements during the night might want to opt for a mattress with lower motion transfer. We test motion transfer by dropping a 10-pound steel ball from three different heights and using a seismometer to measure the movement across the surface of the mattress. The Helix Sunset doesn’t offer much motion isolation, so couples may be woken up by their partner’s tossing and turning. These couples might want to check out our roundup of the best mattresses for couples to find one with less motion transfer.
Learn more in our full Helix Sunset mattress review. You can also click here to get our best deal, or see our best mattress page for more options.
WinkBed Mattress – Best Soft Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress that comes in three firmness levels, so most sleepers should find a model that suits their needs. It could also be a good fit for couples, thanks to reinforced edge support.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress that comes in three firmness levels, so most sleepers should find a model that suits their needs. It could also be a good fit for couples, thanks to reinforced edge support.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress that comes in three firmness levels, so most sleepers should find a model that suits their needs. It could also be a good fit for couples, thanks to reinforced edge support.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.WinkBed Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
WinkBed Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
WinkBed Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
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, stomach sleepers should get plenty of support from the WinkBed’s extra-tall layer of helix coils with multiple support zones. This layer helps keep the hips lifted and in line with the shoulders, which is crucial for stomach sleepers preventing back pain. The quality materials used in the construction of this mattress also make the WinkBed especially durable, so it should stand the test of time.
The WinkBed only uses American-sourced materials in its construction. That includes CertiPUR-US Certified foams, meaning the bed is free from harmful chemicals and heavy metals. It’s also made entirely without fiberglass. The tall pocketed coil layer also helps to promote airflow, so hot sleepers and couples should find cooling relief during the night. Finally, the WinkBed includes reinforced edges for solid edge support, which is important for couples that want to use the full surface area of their mattress without fearing of sinkage.
What our tester says: “I think the WinkBed can work nicely for stomach sleepers since it has a soft feel, but you don’t sink into the mattress too far. This allows sleepers to feel softness but also have their spine in alignment, which is key for preventing pain.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
What Customers Say
Customers who bought the WinkBed stated that they loved the duality offered from this mattress. They commented that the bed is supportive without feeling hard on their joints. It’s bouncy and responsive, and at the same time, doesn’t transfer too much motion from one side of the mattress to the other.
Pros of the WinkBed Mattress
- Back sleepers should appreciate the WinkBed because of its quilted Tencel cover. This material is made from eucalyptus wood cellulose, making it plush enough to contour and fill the sleeper’s lumbar region. This helps provide pressure relief throughout the lower back during the night.
- Lightweight sleepers should sleep well in all positions on the WinkBed. The slightly firm feel of this mattress, combined with its softer Euro pillow top, make the WinkBed firm enough for lightweight back and stomach sleepers. The Softer model should provide good pressure relief for lightweight side sleepers.
- The extra-supportive feel of this mattress makes it a great choice for senior sleepers whose joints need more stability at night. The durability of this mattress also makes it a good choice for older shoppers looking for a mattress that they won’t have to replace often.
Cons of the WinkBed Mattress
- As a luxury mattress, the WinkBed is rather pricey, so we don’t recommend it for budget shoppers.
To learn more about the WinkBed mattress (all firmness options), check out our full WinkBed mattress review. You can also click here to get our best deal or see our best mattress for stomach sleepers page for more options.
Nolah Signature – Best Soft Memory Foam Mattress
The Signature is Nolah’s flagship product, and uses the brand’s proprietary AirFoam™ and high density poly foam to achieve a soft yet supportive feel. It's a great bed for those after cushioning and pressure relief.
The Signature is Nolah’s flagship product, and uses the brand’s proprietary AirFoam™ and high density poly foam to achieve a soft yet supportive feel. It's a great bed for those after cushioning and pressure relief.
The Signature is Nolah’s flagship product, and uses the brand’s proprietary AirFoam™ and high density poly foam to achieve a soft yet supportive feel. It's a great bed for those after cushioning and pressure relief.
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Expert Opinion
The Nolah Signature is a 12-inch mattress made with Nolah’s very own proprietary AirFoam and high-density poly foam. Because of this, Signature is one of the softest mattresses featured on the list. It scored a 5.5 on our firmness scale, making it softer than the industry standard. The Nolah Signature includes an organic cotton cover on its top layer. This cover is soft and breathable, making it a good choice for hot sleepers and couples who have double the body heat in their bed. Nolah’s AirFoam is also designed to be more cooling than traditional memory foam. Cooling technology is especially important in an all-foam mattress, which is why the Nolah Signature stands out from other memory foam mattresses.
Of all the mattress materials, memory foam is the material that is most often associated with softness. We think the Nolah Signature is a classic example of a memory foam bed. When our Sleepopolis mattress tester laid down on the Nolah Signature, they felt the foams hugging their body, giving deep pressure relief at the lower back and shoulders. We get the feeling of sinking into a cloud on the Nolah Signature, while still getting just enough support to help us maintain a healthy spinal alignment.
What our tester says: “The sinkage this mattress provides should be a nice match for back and side sleepers since it offers the pressure relief they need. The Nolah Signature really impressed me on both the motion transfer test and with its edge support, so it’s also a good fit for couples.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
What Customers Say
Customers on the Nolah website love the soft feel of this mattress. Many users commented that the Nolah Signature hugs their body in all the right areas, and it supports the more sensitive areas around the lumbar region and shoulders, as well. However, some users did comment that they felt sinkage around the edge of this mattress, which might be a problem if you sleep close to the end of your mattress.
Pros of the Nolah Signature Mattress
- Side sleepers should appreciate the Nolah Signature, mainly because of its body contouring abilities. This memory foam mattress will contour around these sleepers’ hips and shoulders, which should provide added pressure relief to these sensitive areas.
- Sleepers suffering from back pain should be able to find comfort and relief from the Nolah Signature. During the pressure map test, the lower back area lit up blue and green, which equates to low pressure in these areas. Sleepers should feel comforted and supported by the Nolah Signature’s foams.
- When we tested out the Nolah Signature’s motion transfer, it proved to be adept at isolating motion. This is good news for couples with a restless partner, as they shouldn’t be able to feel their movements during the night.
Cons of the Nolah Signature Mattress
- The Nolah Signature is not going to be able to support heavier sleepers (those over 250 pounds). As an all-foam mattress, it’s not durable enough to provide the stability that heavier sleepers need. They can take a look at our roundup of the best mattresses for heavy people for better options.
Not sold? Check out our full Nolah Signature mattress review. You can also click here to get our best deal or see our best memory foam mattress page for more options.
Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Soft Mattress for Side Sleepers
The Bear Elite Hybrid is Bear's “ultra-luxurious” model with a traditional mattress feel, plus advanced cooling and support technology. It comes in three different firmness levels: Soft, Medium, and Firm.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is Bear's “ultra-luxurious” model with a traditional mattress feel, plus advanced cooling and support technology. It comes in three different firmness levels: Soft, Medium, and Firm.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is Bear's “ultra-luxurious” model with a traditional mattress feel, plus advanced cooling and support technology. It comes in three different firmness levels: Soft, Medium, and Firm.
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
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. We tested the Medium model, which we scored a six 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.
Construction-wise, this mattress includes individually encased pocketed spring coils, giving the Bear Elite Hybrid a bouncier feel. It’s also built with a cooling cover and copper-infused foam to help get rid of excess body heat during the night, making it an especially good pick for hot sleepers or couples who have double the body heat in their bed. The Bear company even states that the Bear Hybrid Elite has the most advanced cooling technology of all of their mattresses.
What our tester says: “The Bear Elite Hybrid feels like a true luxury mattress. It’s built with materials to keep you cool, supported, and cushioned. I found the Medium model to be soft enough for side sleeping, but if you’re after an even softer feel, check out the Soft model.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
What Customers Say
Reviewers on the Bear website love the top layer of foam included on the Bear Elite Hybrid. They state that this layer welcomes them into bed every time they lay down, and they immediately feel pressure relief upon sitting or laying on the mattress. Other users commented on the pain relief they felt after sleeping on the Bear Elite Hybrid for just a couple of nights.
Pros of the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
- Combination sleepers should appreciate this mattress’ hybrid construction of coils and foams. This makes it easy to move around, so combo sleepers should be able to switch their sleeping position throughout the night.
- Back sleepers will most likely find that the Bear Elite Hybrid helps keep their spine aligned and in a neutral position while they are sleeping. If these sleepers want even more support for their spine, they can opt for the Firm model of the Bear Elite Hybrid.
- The Bear Elite Hybrid includes a top layer of foam. Sleepers with shoulder pain should appreciate this extra softness, as it will offer added pressure relief.
Cons of the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
- Stomach sleepers may not be the best customer for the Bear Elite Hybrid because of its soft feel. This plush mattress may not keep their hips in line with their shoulders during the night. Instead, they should check out our roundup of the the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.
Learn more about this mattress in our full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review. You can also click here to get our best deal, or take a look at our roundup of the best mattresses for side sleepers to see more options.
Leesa – Best Soft Mattress for Back Pain
Are you a fan of the feel of an all-foam mattress, but can’t seem to find one that’s bouncy enough? The Leesa original mattress might be right up your alley. This bed-in-a-box mattress provides gentle pressure relief as well as responsive support.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. Are you a fan of the feel of an all-foam mattress, but can’t seem to find one that’s bouncy enough? The Leesa original mattress might be right up your alley. This bed-in-a-box mattress provides gentle pressure relief as well as responsive support.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. Are you a fan of the feel of an all-foam mattress, but can’t seem to find one that’s bouncy enough? The Leesa original mattress might be right up your alley. This bed-in-a-box mattress provides gentle pressure relief as well as responsive support.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Leesa Original Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Leesa Original Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Leesa Original Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
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.
When testing out this all-foam mattress, we found it to have a doughy feel that gave us a lot of relief at the lower back. But it was also responsive and easy to move around, which is quite a feat for a mattress with no springs in its construction. This likely comes from the Leesa’s combination of soft memory foam in the middle, sandwiched between firmer foams at the top and the bottom. When we ran the mattress through our pressure map test, there was almost no pressure on our upper back or lumbar in all sleeping positions, proving that it’s a good mattress for back pain sufferers.
What our tester says: “I think the Leesa is a great choice for back sleepers and should give them the comfort and support they desire. It could also work for some combination sleepers, as it’s bouncy enough to easily move around on.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
What Customers Say
The Leesa’s flagship mattress has nearly 20,000 reviews on the company’s website, with an average customer rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Over 5,000 of them mention back pain. Most of these reviews praise the bed for offering a ton of relief at the lumbar region.
Pros of the Leesa Mattress
- Of all the sleeping positions, we think back sleeping will be the most comfortable on the Leesa.
- Combination sleepers should have no trouble moving around and changing sleeping positions on this mattress.
- After promotions and discounts, a queen size Leesa can often be found for close to $1,000. This makes it an affordable option for budget shoppers.
Cons of the Leesa Mattress
- The Leesa’s softness isn’t going to make it the best mattress for stomach sleepers. They’ll need something firmer with more support.
Get all the details you need in our full Leesa mattress review. You can also click here to get our best deal or see our best mattress for back pain page for more options.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Soft Mattress for Hot Sleepers
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is a hybrid bed-in-a-box mattress. It comes in three firmness levels and with an optional Cloud Pillow Top, so sleepers can pick the best model for their needs. It also has cooling tech in nearly every layer, which means it sleeps super cool!
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is a hybrid bed-in-a-box mattress. It comes in three firmness levels and with an optional Cloud Pillow Top, so sleepers can pick the best model for their needs. It also has cooling tech in nearly every layer, which means it sleeps super cool!
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is a hybrid bed-in-a-box mattress. It comes in three firmness levels and with an optional Cloud Pillow Top, so sleepers can pick the best model for their needs. It also has cooling tech in nearly every layer, which means it sleeps super cool!
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
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. It scored a six on our firmness scale, making it just slightly softer than the industry average. However, as a hybrid mattress, the Aurora Luxe will give you some bounce with the coils in its base layer, so sleepers shouldn’t feel like they are “sinking” too far into the bed. Instead, they should be able to easily move on top of the mattress, which is great for combination sleepers who need to switch positions easily during the night.
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 to 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.
What our tester says: “I found the Aurora Luxe to have a gentle feel that still offered ample support. I think the Medium model is a nice fit for back and side sleepers, but I’d recommend those after an even plusher vibe to opt for the Soft model.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
What Customers Say
Users on the Brooklyn Bedding website praise the Aurora Luxe mattress, with some customers saying that this mattress gave them the best sleep that they’ve had in years. Other commenters spoke on the exceptional quality of the Aurora Luxe, which gave them that luxury feel that they were looking for.
Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
- Sleepers suffering from back pain should find some relief with the Aurora Luxe, especially if they prefer to sleep on their back or side. Our pressure map test showed that the back area lit up entirely blue (equating to low pressure). This means that our sleepers felt little pressure in this area while they were sleeping.
- Lightweight sleepers should appreciate the Aurora Luxe, no matter what position they choose to sleep in. For lightweight back sleepers, this mattress will feel slightly firmer than advertised, giving these sleepers a balance of stability and pressure relief. Lightweight side sleepers should enjoy the sinkage and pressure relief from this soft mattress. At the same time, lightweight stomach sleepers should be able to keep their spine aligned without a problem.
- The Aurora Luxe is a great mattress for sex because it includes a system of pocketed coils in its construction. This gives this mattress a little bit more bounce to it. These coils also allow couples to easily move around on the surface.
Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
- Strict stomach sleepers will most likely find that the Aurora Luxe is too soft for them, especially if they are average weight or heavier sleepers (those over 250 pounds). To keep their hips in line with their shoulders and promote a healthy spinal alignment, these sleepers need a firmer mattress. We recommend they check out our roundup of the best firm mattresses.
Learn more in our full Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress review. You can also click here to get our best deal or see our best cooling mattress page for more options.
Nectar Premier – Best Soft Mattress for Hip Pain
The Nectar Premier mattress is a medium-soft memory foam mattress, making it a great fit for side sleepers or those who deal with shoulder or hip pain. It also sleeps very cool, an added bonus!
The Nectar Premier mattress is a medium-soft memory foam mattress, making it a great fit for side sleepers or those who deal with shoulder or hip pain. It also sleeps very cool, an added bonus!
The Nectar Premier mattress is a medium-soft memory foam mattress, making it a great fit for side sleepers or those who deal with shoulder or hip pain. It also sleeps very cool, an added bonus!
Nectar Premier Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Nectar Premier Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Nectar Premier Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
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 the soft, slow-moving feel of the original Nectar, but with a cooling cover, as well as infusions of gel and Phase Change Material for added temperature regulation. As far as firmness goes, we found both the Nectar and Nectar Premier to be about a 6 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, which we’d classify as medium soft.
When lying down on the Nectar Premier, we of course had to put it through our pressure map test and see how it looked for hip pain. We saw almost no pressure on our hips in all three sleeping positions, so we can confidently say that hip pain sufferers should feel some deep contouring and pressure relief.
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.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
What Customers Say
There are over 50,000 reviews on Nectar’s website, with an average customer rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Many of these reviews are customers who love the Nectar Premier’s pain-relieving abilities.
Pros of the Nectar Premier Mattress
- The Nectar Premier’s softness make it one of the best mattresses for side sleepers, especially if they suffer from hip pain. They should experience plenty of pressure relief at the shoulders and hips — the parts of the body where these sleepers put the most pressure.
- Back sleepers should also be comfortable on the Nectar Premier. Even though it’s a soft mattress, there’s a layer of high-density poly foam that should give them the support they need and prevent them from sinking too far into their bed.
- As a material, memory foam tends to run hot, but we really did feel cool on the Nectar Premier, thanks to its added cooling features. Hot sleepers should have no trouble keeping a low temperature.
Cons of the Nectar Premier Mattress
- Stomach sleepers and heavy sleepers over 250 pounds probably aren’t going to get the firmness or the support they need on the Nectar Premier.
Get all the details you need in our full Nectar Premier mattress review. You can also click here to get our best deal or see our best mattress for hip pain page for more options.
Birch – Best Latex Mattress
The Birch mattress is an all-natural bed that uses organic cotton and wool fibers to create a structure that’s as eco-friendly as it is cozy.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Birch mattress is an all-natural bed that uses organic cotton and wool fibers to create a structure that’s as eco-friendly as it is cozy.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Birch mattress is an all-natural bed that uses organic cotton and wool fibers to create a structure that’s as eco-friendly as it is cozy.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Birch Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
25-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Birch Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
25-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Birch Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
25-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Expert Opinion
The Birch (created by Helix) is an all-natural mattress constructed using organic cotton, wool fibers, and a comfort layer of Talalay latex. These organic materials, along with a pocketed coil system, make this mattress particularly breathable. This is great for both hot sleepers and couples who produce more body heat. On our firmness scale, the Birch scored a 7 out of 10, making it slightly firmer than the industry average. Also, the coils and latex make the Birch slightly bouncier, so sleepers will feel more “on top” of this mattress instead of sinking into it. This is good for combination sleepers who have to switch positions throughout the night.
It’s also worth mentioning that the Talalay latex is Greenguard Gold certified. This means that it doesn’t release high levels of chemical emissions of volatile organic compounds, so eco-friendly customers can sleep comfortably knowing their mattress is environmentally safe. The quilted wool fibers in the Birch also make it fire-retardant. Because the Birch does not include fiberglass in its construction, the inclusion of a fire retardant is important to maintain safety.
What our tester says: ” I also think anyone looking for a classic latex feel will really appreciate this bed. Its organic layers have a taut, springy feel and really offer great lift and support. If you’re a back and stomach combination sleeper I’d highly recommend the Birch.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
What Customers Say
Users on the Helix website praised the Birch for its all natural materials, stating that this mattress was especially comfortable, and that there was no chemical smell, which can be common with bed-in-a-box mattresses. Other customers commented on how easy and quick it was to unbox and set up the Birch.
Pros of the Birch Mattress
- Lightweight sleepers who don’t like the feeling of “sinking” into their mattress should appreciate the bouncy nature of the Birch. Lightweight back and stomach sleepers should especially enjoy the Birch because it will keep their hips lifted in line with their shoulders, promoting a healthy spinal alignment.
- The Birch is a great mattress for sleepers who suffer from back pain. This can be shown on the Birch’s pressure map results. Back sleeping lit up entirely blue during the pressure map test (equating to low pressure).
- As a hybrid mattress, the coils included in the construction of the Birch make this mattress particularly bouncy and responsive. This makes the Birch a great mattress for sex. Couples should be able to easily move around and switch positions.
Cons of the Birch Mattress
- Sleepers suffering with hip pain might need a softer mattress than the Birch. The longer we slept on this mattress, the more pressure accumulated around our shoulders and hips, which can be seen on the pressure map. Because of this, sleepers with hip pain might want to choose a mattress from our roundup of the best mattresses with pillow tops to get some added pressure relief.
Does the Birch sound like the right mattress for you? Click here to get our best deals, or read our full Birch mattress review for more information. If you’re still unsure, take a look at our roundup of the best latex mattresses for other options.
Layla – Best Flippable Mattress
The Layla is an all-foam, flippable bed featuring both a “Soft” and “Firm” side. It’s also built with copper-infused memory foam, which brings some pleasant cooling power to this versatile slumber party.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Layla is an all-foam, flippable bed featuring both a “Soft” and “Firm” side. It’s also built with copper-infused memory foam, which brings some pleasant cooling power to this versatile slumber party.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Layla is an all-foam, flippable bed featuring both a “Soft” and “Firm” side. It’s also built with copper-infused memory foam, which brings some pleasant cooling power to this versatile slumber party.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Layla Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Layla Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Layla Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Expert Opinion
The Layla is an all-foam bed built with copper-infused memory foam. It has that classic memory foam feel, which includes a slow response to pressure that helps the Layla contour to any sleeper’s body. However, the brand does not use typical memory foam in this mattress. Instead, the Layla was constructed with copper-infused memory foam, which is naturally antimicrobial and helps eliminate body odor.
However, the main thing that makes the Layla stand out is its flippability, as the bed has both a soft side and a firm side. The soft side scored a 5.5 on our mattress firmness scale, and the firm side scored a 7.5 on the same scale. The soft side is a good choice for side sleepers who want to “sink in” to their mattress a little bit more. On the other hand, the firm side is great for stomach sleepers who need extra support and lift to keep their hips in line with their shoulders, promoting a healthy spinal alignment.
What our tester says: “This bed features a lot of the material, so epitomizes its characteristic sinkage and contouring hug. As far as sides are concerned, I think side sleepers will prefer the soft side and stomach sleepers will be better off on the “Firm” side. Many back sleepers should feel comfortable, so long as they don’t mind a super soft or super firm feel.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
What Customers Say
In the reviews on Layla’s website, many users commented on how little movement they feel from their partner during the night, despite large weight differences between them. This shows the power of the Layla’s motion isolation, which prevents movement from rippling across the mattress and bothering the other person.
Pros of the Layla Mattress
- On the soft side, the Layla helps to contour sleepers’ hips, shoulders, and lumbar region. This is is a plus for sleepers with joint pain who want some extra pressure relief.
- The infusion of copper helps the Layla sleep a little cooler than other memory foam mattresses.
- Sleepers suffering from back pain should be comfortable on the firm side of the Layla. During the pressure map test, back sleeping showed almost no pressure, lighting up completely blue.
Cons of the Layla Mattress
- Combination sleepers will most likely want to find a more responsive mattress. Sleepers usually “sink in” to the Layla instead of feeling like they’re on top of the bed. This could make it difficult for combination sleepers to switch positions during the night. These sleepers can take a look at our roundup of the best mattresses for combination sleepers to find a better fit.
If the Layla fits your preferences, click here to get our best deal, or you can read our full Layla mattress review to see some more perks of this mattress. If you’re still looking, read our roundup of the best flippable mattresses.
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.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. 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.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. 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.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Saatva Mattress
Material
Innerspring
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Saatva Mattress
Material
Innerspring
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Saatva Mattress
Material
Innerspring
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
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, we 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.
One unique feature of the Saatva Classic is the free white-glove delivery offered by the brand. This means that Saatva sends someone to hand-deliver the mattress to your door and set it up. The bed is never compressed in a box, so there’s no off-gassing period or decompressing time.
What our tester says: “I think couples could find major happiness with the Saatva Classic for a lot of reasons! It’s super supportive from edge-to-edge, it’s breathable, and it has a high-quality feel.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
What Customers Say
On the reviews section of the Saatva website, customers praise the excellent customer service they received while shopping for their Saatva Classic. Many users also comment on how convenient and easy the white glove delivery of their Saatva Classic was, and some customers said that the employees took away their old mattress free of charge.
Pros of the Saatva Classic Mattress
- Combination sleepers usually do well on the Saatva. The coils used in the construction make it bouncy and responsive, so combo sleepers can move around and switch positions easily during the night.
- Heavier sleepers (those over 250 pounds) should appreciate how durable this mattress is. They should feel adequately supported and not sink too far into the layers.
- The pocketed coil system helps the Saatva sleep cool throughout the night because there’s so much space between the springs for airflow. This is great for hot sleepers and couples who don’t want to feel sweaty or sticky while sleeping.
Cons of the Saatva Classic Mattress
- The high number of coils in the Saatva can lead to high motion transfer. So if you’re a light sleeper and your partner is especially restless during the night, you might feel them tossing and turning.
Get all the details you need in our full Saatva mattress review. You can also click here to get our best deal or see our best mattress for couples page for more options.
Puffy Lux Hybrid – Best Soft Hybrid Mattress
The Puffy Lux Hybrid mattress is a soft model combining foam layers and individually pocketed coils for a cushioned feel with some bounce. It provides great pressure relief, making it a nice fit for side, back, or side-back combo sleepers.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Puffy Lux Hybrid mattress is a soft model combining foam layers and individually pocketed coils for a cushioned feel with some bounce. It provides great pressure relief, making it a nice fit for side, back, or side-back combo sleepers.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Puffy Lux Hybrid mattress is a soft model combining foam layers and individually pocketed coils for a cushioned feel with some bounce. It provides great pressure relief, making it a nice fit for side, back, or side-back combo sleepers.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
101 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
101 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
101 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Expert Opinion
The Puffy Lux Hybrid combines soft foams layers with pocketed coils to create a mattress that has the best of both worlds. This brand was launched by Arthur Andresyan, whose ultimate goal was to create products that felt “cloud-like” for their sleepers. With a 5.5 on our firmness scale, the Puffy Lux Hybrid should accomplish this feel for the majority of sleepers. Even better, all the foams used in the construction are CertiPUR-US Certified, so they are free from any harmful chemicals. The Puffy Lux Hybrid also includes a polyester cover, a layer of Cooling Cloud Foam, and pocketed coils to increase the mattress’ cooling capabilities, making it a good choice for hot sleepers and couples who want to sleep cooler for longer.
When testing out the Puffy Lux Hybrid, we experienced a lot of support from its bottom layer of coils. This is to be expected of a hybrid mattress, but the Puffy Lux Hybrid also includes Climate Comfort Foam in its transition layer. This foam gives the Puffy Lux Hybrid a little bit more bounce, so sleepers won’t feel like they’re sinking through the bed’s layers. This should be comfortable for combination sleepers who need to easily switch positions.
What our tester says: “I really appreciate the balance of pressure relief and bounce this mattress offers. The Lux Hybrid is also fairly responsive thanks to the pocketed innerspring coils beneath the foam layers, which allow you to switch sleeping positions without feeling ‘stuck’ in the mattress.” – Logan Block, former Sleepopolis director of content and mattress tester
What Customers Say
Multiple reviews on the Puffy website actually refer to the Puffy Lux Hybrid as a “cloud,” providing that Puffy succeeded in its goal of providing a “cloud-like” experience for its sleepers. Other customers commented on the soft but supportive feel of the Puffy Lux Hybrid, which gave them the comfort they desired, while still supporting their spine.
Pros of the Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress
- On our pressure map test, the Puffy Lux Hybrid lit up blue for back and shoulder pain (which equates to low pressure). Because of this, the Puffy Lux Hybrid should be a good fit for sleepers with pain in these sensitive areas, as they should receive the pressure relief they need to keep their joints comfortable and supported.
- Side sleepers often do well with soft mattresses, and the Puffy Lux Hybrid is exactly that. This mattress helps to soften pressure points on different parts of their body — especially the shoulders and hips, where they put the most pressure.
- Lightweight sleepers might find that the Puffy Lux Hybrid seems slightly firmer to them. This is good for lightweight back sleepers who want to keep their spine in a neutral alignment during the night, while lightweight side sleepers should still get the pressure relief they need. However, lightweight stomach sleepers might still want a firmer mattress to lift up their hips.
Cons of the Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress
- Heavier sleepers (those over 250 pounds) usually need more support and durability from their mattress. Since the Puffy Lux Hybrid is a softer mattress, it most likely won’t be a good fit. Instead, these sleepers can check out our roundup of the best mattresses for heavier sleepers.
Want to learn more? Read our full Puffy Lux Hybrid mattress review. You can also click here to get our best deal or see our best hybrid mattress page for more options.
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt – Best Mattress for Back Sleepers
TEMPUR-Adapt Mattress
The TEMPUR-Adapt is billed as the brand's classic model. It has a traditional memory foam feel, with plenty of sinkage and contouring.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
90 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
TEMPUR-Adapt Mattress
The TEMPUR-Adapt is billed as the brand's classic model. It has a traditional memory foam feel, with plenty of sinkage and contouring.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
90 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
TEMPUR-Adapt Mattress
The TEMPUR-Adapt is billed as the brand's classic model. It has a traditional memory foam feel, with plenty of sinkage and contouring.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
90 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
Expert Opinion
The TEMPUR-Adapt is Tempur-Pedic’s classic model, and it comes in a medium all-foam option, as well as a hybrid option. For back sleepers, we tested the all-foam model. While it’s considered a soft mattress, the lower layers of high-density foam should keep them from feeling like they’re sinking through its construction. They’ll also feel their lumbar region soothed by the quicksand-like foam in the top layers. In short, this is a bed that keeps back sleepers to both comforted and supported — the key to keeping their spines neutrally aligned.
The mattress also includes a TEMPUR-cloud cover made of polyester, polyethylene, and spandex, which adds a silky feel to the TEMPUR-Adapt. This cover is cool to the touch, so hot sleepers should feel right at home.
What our tester says: “Memory foam lovers should really appreciate the TEMPUR-Adapt. It features all the best parts of memory foam: stellar pressure relief, strong motion isolation, and dreamy comfort. I also think back sleepers and a lot of side sleepers will be happy with the TEMPUR-Adapt thanks to the contouring and support they’ll get.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
What Customers Say
Customers on the Tempur-Pedic website often commented on how improved their back pain felt after spending a few nights on the TEMPUR-Adapt. Other users stated that the TEMPUR-Adapt felt especially cooling to them, which can be hard to find in an all-foam mattress.
Pros of the TEMPUR-Adapt Mattress
- The TEMPUR-Adapt showed great results for shoulder pain on our pressure map test. The shoulder area lit up blue, meaning that there was low pressure for the sleeper in this area.
- Couples should appreciate how well the TEMPUR-Adapt scored on our motion isolation test. This means that there is not much movement across the surface of this mattress, so couples shouldn’t be able to feel their partner getting in and out of bed, or tossing and turning during the night.
- Side sleepers should enjoy the plush foams included in the construction of the TEMPUR-Adapt. These foams will help to cushion the shoulders and hips, where side sleepers put the most pressure.
Cons of the TEMPUR-Adapt
- Stomach sleepers should probably look for a firmer mattress option, especially if they also suffer from hip pain. The foams in the TEMPUR-Adapt most likely are not supportive enough to lift their hips in line with their shoulders, which can put their spine out of alignment and lead to more pain. These sleepers can take a look at our roundup of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers for some better options.
Does the TEMPUR-Adapt sound like the right mattress for you? Click here to see our best deals, or read our full TEMPUR-Adapt review for more information. If you’re not entirely sure about the TEMPUR-Adapt, check out our roundup of the best mattress for back sleepers for some other mattress options.
Who is a Soft Mattress Right for?
Softer mattresses can be appropriate for a variety of sleeper types and positions. In general, softer mattresses are ideally suited for side sleepers. The softer layers allow for a better contouring hug and support along the curves of the body. Some back and stomach sleepers may also enjoy the softer feel, but it really comes down a personal preference. We recommend taking a look at our best mattress for side sleepers page for other types of mattresses that might fit their needs.
Stomach sleepers especially should be wary of going too soft, as the deeper hug can result in a lack of support along the mid section, creating pressure points and pain in the lower back.
Sleepers who weigh under 150 pounds may also find that soft suits their needs better. Lighter sleepers may float on top of medium or firmer mattresses due to the materials that require higher pressure levels before creating sinkage. The softer materials allow sinkage at lower weights, creating better pressure relief for these sleepers.
How Do We Determine A Mattress’s Firmness?
You might be wondering: How exactly do we know how firm a mattress really is? Well, we’re here to explain exactly how we decide what score to give a mattress on our firmness scale.
First, our Sleepopolis mattress testers do what’s called a Rest Test on the mattress. A Rest Test involves our testers taking a 15-minute power nap on the mattress. During this power nap, our testers make sure to change positions (resting on their side, back, and stomach), move around on top of the mattress, and see if the edges of the mattress are as supportive as the middle.
After this Rest Test, each of our mattress testers rate the mattress on a score of one to 10, which one being the softest, and 10 being the firmest. The industry standard for a medium-firm mattress sits at a 6.5, so mattress scored under that number are considered soft, and mattress scored over that number are considered firm. As you can see above, the Layla soft side scored a 5.5, making it a softer mattress, while the Layla firm side scored a 7.5, making it a firmer mattress.
This score does not just come from one person. Instead, we combine the objective scores of all the Sleepopolis mattress testers that performed a Rest Test on the mattress to find the mediun score. For mattress that are geared toward heavier sleepers (those over 250 pounds), we also like to bring in a heavier mattress tester to make sure that we are ranking these mattresses based on what they will actually feel like for the sleepers.
For any mattress, the feel of it can change based on the body type and weight of the sleeper. For a mattress that scored 6.5 on our firmness scale (the industry standard), a lightweight sleeper might still feel like the mattress is firm, while a heavier sleeper might feel like the mattress is soft.
All of this is to say that just because we score a mattress as firm or soft on our firmness scale, that does not mean that it automatically will work for you. The firmness scale gives an initial idea of how the mattress will feel, but customers should still see if that particular mattress is right for their sleeping position, temperature preference, and pressure relief. Our reviews will always go into each of these preferences (and many more), so customers can choose the mattress that works best for them.
Do Soft Mattresses “Sleep Hot”?
In the mattress world, there is a condition that some mattresses suffer from called “sleeping hot.” This can occur for a variety of reasons, but the most common are that:
- the materials (usually memory foam) absorb and retain heat, and/or,
- the level of hug in the mattress is such that an excess of material is wrapping around the sleeper
In general, soft mattresses are more susceptible to sleeping hot than medium or firm mattresses, but you can mitigate some of the effects with cooling sheets.
What to Look for When Shopping
It’s critically important to consider a mattress’:
- Design
- Construction
- Materials
Soft mattresses that use large amounts of memory foam, especially in the top layers, may be more likely to sleep warm because they retain heat. Ventilated memory foam or memory foams infused with gel, copper, or other cooling materials can help to mitigate some of the heat risk.
If you’re concerned about sleeping warm you will want to look for mattresses that:
- Use a thin cover: This will minimize the quantity of material wrapping around you.
- Use a design that places memory foam below the top layers: Top layers of latex, polymer, gel, pillow tops, or other more breathable materials will help to reduce the risk of heat retention.
- Use advanced memory foam: Not all memory foam is created equal. Some memory foams are more advanced in terms of their ability to breathe and not retain heat.
- Use coils: True hybrid mattresses or mattresses that use pillow tops generally breathe better, and remain cooler than most all-foam mattresses. If this is something you’re interested in, check out our best hybrid mattresses of 2023.
Will a Soft Mattress Help With 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
Above all else in a mattress, support is absolutely key. Now, that may trip up some sleepers: “Wait… I thought this guide was about soft mattresses. I don’t want too much support.” But firmness equating to support is a bit of a misnomer. 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.
Let’s Simplify It
Good mattress support simply means that it keeps your spine in proper alignment without creating pressure points that 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.
With all of that in mind, it’s important to remember that soft mattresses can still provide great support. However, they’re held to a higher standard in terms of material quality. With softer materials also come new potential problems, including heat retention, feeling stuck, or spinal alignment issues. Good design and material selection help minimize these issues, while still creating a soft cloud-like feeling.
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 is 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, yes, it can cause back pain and possibly lead to further issues.
How We Chose These Mattresses
We’ve reviewed more than 220 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 |
| Nolah Signature | Memory Foam | $1,799 | Nolah Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | Side Sleepers | $2,111 | Bear Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Leesa | Back Pain | $1,299 | Leesa Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe | Hot Sleepers | $1,865 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Nectar Premier | Hip Pain | $1,499 | Nectar Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Birch | Latex | $2,124 | Birch Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Layla | Flippable | $1,099 | Layla Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Saatva | Couples | $1,995 | Saatva Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Puffy Lux Hybrid | Hybrid | $2,249 | Puffy Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt | Back Sleepers | $2,199 | Tempur-Pedic Coupon | Read Our Review |
Sources
Back Pain. National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. March 2023.
