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 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
- Birch – Best Soft Latex Mattress
Best Soft Mattress 2024 Video
What We Look For In The Best Soft Mattresses
Materials
When looking for a soft mattress, we know one of your biggest concerns is how it feels. With this in mind, we 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. We tested each mattress on this list to be sure it was made of the most comfortable materials so that you can find the soft and plush mattress you are looking for.
Motion Isolation
Soft mattresses are great for comfort, but sometimes their comfortable, hugging construction also means you can feel movement in the bed. We were sure to test for motion isolation, meaning how much movement you will feel in the bed while you’re in it, so that you can enjoy the softness of the bed without being disturbed by your pets or partners. To do this, we performed three different tests, a ball drop where we measured the movement across the mattress on a seismograph type machine. In the second test, we put a glass of red wine on the mattress to see if it tipped over when someone moved in the bed. Lastly, we had two people lay in the bed and report how much movement they could feel.
Breathability and Cooling
Comfort is one of your top priorities when looking for a soft mattress, and we know that, so we were sure to consider a very important part of comfort when testing these mattress, which is cooling. To test the cooling and breathable properties of each of these mattresses, we used a thermal gun to look at the temperature change of each mattress after laying on it for five minutes. We also looked inside each mattress to check out its construction and see for ourselves what breathable elements there were.
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,
|
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 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
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, 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, former senior product editor
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. We think the Soft version would be around 5.5 or 6, making it the best model for anyone who prefers an extra-plush bed. 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, former senior product editor
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, we found the Nectar Premier to be about a 6 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, which we’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, 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: “The top layer of this mattress contains 2 inches of therapeutic memory foam to relieve pressure around your back and joints. While laying on this mattress on my side, I experienced a lot of sinkage around my hips, making it perfect for sleepers with sensitive joints and hip pain.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
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, 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, former senior product editor
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. 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, former senior product editor
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 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
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, we found it to have a plush feel that gave us 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 we ran this hybrid mattress through our pressure map test, there was almost no pressure on our upper back or lumbar in all sleeping positions. We also found outstanding results for side sleeping as well, proving that it’s a good mattress for back pain sufferers.
What our tester says: “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, former senior product editor
Birch – Best Soft Latex Mattress
The Birch Natural is a latex mattress utilizing individually wrapped coils for added support. This mattress specializes in cooling and responsiveness, and the firmer nature suits back and stomach sleepers well. Perhaps the most special part about this mattress is the material quality. Not only is the Birch organic, but it has also earned multiple certifications for safe production and materials. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“One of my favorite things about the Birch is how cooling it is. I think any hot sleeper will be satisfied by this breathable bed. It’s definitely one of the most cooling mattresses available thanks to its wool and latex layers. These cooling materials also make it one of my favorite organic mattresses.” – Madison Schaper, Sleepopolis staff writer
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, former senior product editor
Who is a Soft Mattress Right for?
Sleepers who Weigh Under 150 Pounds
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.
Side Sleepers
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.
People Who Like to Feel Hugged
People who like to feel hugged or cradled by their mattress at night would love a softer mattress. They generally offer that feeling of being hugged when you sink into them while still providing support.
How We Test Soft Mattresses
Firmness
Our Sleepopolis mattress testers do what’s called a Rest Test on the mattress to test for firmness. 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, with one 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. We generally recommend that stomach sleepers look for firmer mattresses, something between a 5 and 8 on our firmness scale, whereas side and some back sleepers can still be supported by a softer mattress.
Cooling
Some people worry that their soft mattresses will be hot throughout the night, because they generally have a thick layer of sometimes dense foam that may seem like it can trap heat. This can be the case, but there are a lot of mattresses that are soft and cushioning but still breathable. Examples include hybrid mattresses, mattresses with cooling gels and foams, and cooling overs or fibers in mattress covers.
To help you find a mattress that stays cool throughout the night, we perform a cooling test on all of our mattresses. To do this, we use a thermal gun that measures the temperature of a mattress when it is sitting, and after one of our testers lays on it for a few minutes. The difference in temperature tells us how good or bad at cooling a mattress is. We generally consider anything below an 8-degree difference to be good cooling, and below a six-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
Latex mattresses are 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 is better for the environment than man-made materials, and also naturally allergen repellant. Latex is comfortable while providing necessary support, and its porous material makes it very breathable. Latex is generally fairly bouncy, but not always very soft, so this may not be the best option if you are looking for that hugging feel.
You can learn more about our favorite latex mattresses on our best latex mattress page.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses are made of one layer of foam and one layer of coils, or springs. Hybrid mattresses are very comfortable, can stay very cool because of their breathable springs, and are usually a top choice among many sleepers. These mattresses are also very supportive, and generally offer excellent pressure relief. Hybrid mattresses come in various levels of firmness, meaning you can find the perfect level of softness for you.
One issue with hybrid mattresses is that they are very expensive, with most costing upwards of $1,000. However, if you are interested in a hybrid, check out our best hybrid mattresses page.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is a distinct type of foam that is slow-moving, contouring, and very comfortable for many sleepers. 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 are hugged in by their bed. It is also a great option for contouring the body which helps provide fantastic pressure relief.
Check out our favorite memory foam mattresses here.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are made from two layers of coils, or springs, and a thinner layer of foam on the top of the mattress. Innerspring mattresses are one of the oldest kinds of mattress constructions, but they remain popular for their support and excellent cooling capabilities. The two layers of coils make the bed extremely breathable, so they are a great choice for those who like to be sure they are cool. The springs also provide good durability and edge support for a mattress. These mattresses are not generally hugging, however, so may not be ideal for someone looking for a traditionally soft mattress feel.
You can look at our favorite innerspring mattresses 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, we make sure to lay on every single one in various sleeping positions to test out how comfortable each mattress is for various sleeping positions. We also consider firmness, support, and pressure relief of each mattress which will help make them comfortable for your specific sleeping style. We generally recommend that stomach sleepers opt for a firmer mattress, but back sleepers and side sleepers might enjoy a softer mattress.
Body Type
We make sure to test all of our mattresses with the consideration that everyone has a different body type so that every sleeper can find the right mattress for them. We also made sure to consider various body types when testing the best soft mattresses. Our expert testers make sure to consider various shapes, sizes, and weights when they are lying on each mattress. Extra soft mattresses may not provide the right support for heavier sleepers, but we have a list of the best mattresses for heavy sleepers so you can find what is right for you. If you are looking for a mattress for lighter-weight sleepers, you can look on our best mattresses for lightweight sleepers page.
Typically for heavyweight sleepers, we would not recommend a soft mattress. Heavy people will naturally sink into more layers so the softer the mattress, the higher the risk of getting no support and for your back, spine and hips to get out of alignment. We recommend sticking to a medium-firm bed that will keep you lifted. If you are a heavy side sleeper who needs pressure relief and cushioning in their shoulders and hips, go for a medium-firm hybrid or pillow top mattress, it will give you the best of most worlds.
| Lightweight Sleepers | Average-Weight Sleepers | Heavyweight Sleepers |
| < 160 pounds | 160 – 230 pounds | > 230 pounds |
Motion Isolation
Motion Isolation refers to the amount of movement felt throughout the mattress as you, your partner, kids or pets move around. The last thing you want to do is be woken up in the middle of the night by someone else tossing and turning. Soft mattresses tend to perform great with motion isolation because they naturally absorb movement and noise. Memory foam mattresses also perform the best in terms of mattress type because it cushions your partners movements.
We test for motion isolation in a couple of ways. First we use a red wine test b placing a glass of wine on one side of the mattress and having our tester rotate through various sleeping positions on the other end of the mattress. How fast it takes for the glass to be tipped over gives us a good idea how it would do with people moving. Secondly, we use a drop ball test, by dropping steel balls from various heights and using a seismograph to measure how much movement it ripples across the mattress. When reading the seismograph, the larger the waves, the worst it has performed for motion isolation.
Edge Support
Edge support refers to the strength of the perimeter of the mattress. Soft mattresses tend to perform badly for edge support because of their soft construction. The strength of the edges of your mattress will help couples use the full surface of the bed without falling off of the mattress. Foam mattresses tend to perform the worst for edge support, however soft mattresses don’t necessarily mean that they will have bad edge support. When testing for support, we use a yard stick to measure the sink experienced when our testers lay or sit on the edge of the bed.
Durability & 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 in soft mattresses can 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. We 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 a great idea as to how durable a mattress might be and how long you should expect it to last. Because of soft mattresses being so supple naturally, 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 for a duration of time to see if the mattress lives up to your expectations and suits your sleep preferences. Soft mattresses are especially crucial to have good sleep trials, as you need to make sure they stay cool, they mould to your body and don’t misalign your hips and spine. Most companies offer 30-100 day trials, and we recommend you stick to anything longer than 60 days. This is allow you to break in the mattress and determine if its a good fit for your life.
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 we have selected here offer free shipping so you don’t have to worry about that. Some companies even offer a service call white glove delivery that hand delivers the mattress, sets it up in your room, and even removes your old bed. This service is definitely worth it for anyone who suffers with chronic pain or who might be solo when setting up the new mattress.
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 is free from harmful materials. These are especially crucial for foam mattresses that are typically soft. Additionally, GREENGUARD Gold certification can indicate that the mattress meets a high standards for air quality and chemical emissions. These certifications help ensure that the mattress is both comfortable and made from safe, high-quality materials.
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.
Health Concerns & 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 spine alignment, and 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 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 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 before firmer ones or coils, softer mattresses that are well-made should be no less durable than other kinds of mattresses. We test for all of the qualities in our mattresses to make sure you are getting durable, but still soft and cozy, mattresses.
Is Memory Foam the best Type of Soft Mattress?
Memory foam is a great option for sleepers looking for hugging, cozy, and soft mattresses as it has that traditional feeling. However, it is not the only option for soft mattresses. There are a lot of other kinds of foam that can provide that same feeling for cheaper prices. 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.
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 |
| Birch | Latex | $2,124 | Birch Coupon | Read Our Review |
Sources
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.