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
- Nectar Premier – Best Soft Mattress for Hip Pain
- WinkBed – Best Soft Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- Nolah Signature – Best Memory Foam Mattress
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Soft Mattress for Hot Sleepers
- Saatva – Best Soft Mattress for Couples
- Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Soft Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Leesa Sapira Chill – Best Soft Mattress for Back Pain
- Birch – Best 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
Helix Sunset Mattress
Nectar Premier Mattress
WinkBed Mattress
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
Saatva Mattress
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
Birch Natural Mattress
Rating
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Medium-soft: 6/10
Firm: 7/10
Soft: 5.5/10
Multiple firmness options
Multiple firmness options
Multiple firmness options
Multiple firmness options
Firm: 7/10
Material
Hybrid
Foam
Hybrid
Foam
Hybrid
Innerspring
Hybrid
Hybrid
Hybrid
Cooling
--
--
✓
--
✓
✓
✓
--
✓
Sleep Position
Back & Side
Back & Side
Combination
Back & Side
Back & Side
Back & Stomach
Back & Stomach
Combination
Back & Stomach
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.
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!
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. After looking for three years and trying three different types of mattresses, we found the one that is just right. Our Nectar mattress is just firm enough yet cozy and comfy too. I no longer wake up with my hips and lower back hurting and my husband’s neck pain is gone. If you’ve been searching for the perfect mattress, this is it!
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!
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. After looking for three years and trying three different types of mattresses, we found the one that is just right. Our Nectar mattress is just firm enough yet cozy and comfy too. I no longer wake up with my hips and lower back hurting and my husband’s neck pain is gone. If you’ve been searching for the perfect mattress, this is it!
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!
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. After looking for three years and trying three different types of mattresses, we found the one that is just right. Our Nectar mattress is just firm enough yet cozy and comfy too. I no longer wake up with my hips and lower back hurting and my husband’s neck pain is gone. If you’ve been searching for the perfect mattress, this is it!
Nectar Premier Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-soft: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Nectar Premier Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Nectar Premier Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-soft: 6/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip 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
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, former 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.
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. Absolutely the greatest mattress I've ever slept on. It is soft yet firm in the right spots. Quality is on another level. You get what you pay for.
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. Absolutely the greatest mattress I've ever slept on. It is soft yet firm in the right spots. Quality is on another level. You get what you pay for.
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. Absolutely the greatest mattress I've ever slept on. It is soft yet firm in the right spots. Quality is on another level. You get what you pay for.
WinkBed Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
WinkBed Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
WinkBed Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 7/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
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, former 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.
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. 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
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.
- 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 and keeps the bed breathable and cool.
- The three firmness levels offered in the Aurora Luxe make it a good option for almost every type of sleepers, and you can pick what is most comfortable for you and what will provide the most support.
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.
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. We were skeptical of buying a mattress on line but it could not have gone any smoother. Anthony answered all of our questions during our many phone conversations. Delivery was prompt and went without a hitch. Best of all the mattress is so comfortable! I haven't had such a good night sleep in years. Highly recommend this.
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. We were skeptical of buying a mattress on line but it could not have gone any smoother. Anthony answered all of our questions during our many phone conversations. Delivery was prompt and went without a hitch. Best of all the mattress is so comfortable! I haven't had such a good night sleep in years. Highly recommend this.
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. We were skeptical of buying a mattress on line but it could not have gone any smoother. Anthony answered all of our questions during our many phone conversations. Delivery was prompt and went without a hitch. Best of all the mattress is so comfortable! I haven't had such a good night sleep in years. Highly recommend this.
Saatva Mattress
Material
Innerspring
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Saatva Mattress
Material
Innerspring
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Saatva Mattress
Material
Innerspring
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
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, former 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.
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.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. Love it! I absolutely love this mattress and the adjustable frame. It’s helping my back issues so much. I highly recommend this mattress to anyone with back pain
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.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. Love it! I absolutely love this mattress and the adjustable frame. It’s helping my back issues so much. I highly recommend this mattress to anyone with back pain
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.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. Love it! I absolutely love this mattress and the adjustable frame. It’s helping my back issues so much. I highly recommend this mattress to anyone with back pain
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip 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 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
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 Sapira Chill – Best Soft Mattress for Back Pain
The Leesa Sapira Chill is a plush, supportive hybrid mattress that comes in three different firmness levels.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Leesa Sapira Chill is a plush, supportive hybrid mattress that comes in three different firmness levels.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Leesa Sapira Chill is a plush, supportive hybrid mattress that comes in three different firmness levels.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight 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 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
What Customers Say
There aren’t any reviews for the Sapira Chill quite yet. However, customers rating other models have thousands of positive things to say about the mattresses’ ability to relieve back pain.
Pros of the Leesa Sapira Chill Mattress
- This mattress comes in three different firmnesses, and we think the Medium-Firm version should work well for heavier sleepers.
- Combination sleepers should have no trouble moving around and changing sleeping positions on this mattress.
- The Leesa Sapira Chill scored well in all categories for couples.
Cons of the Leesa Sapira Chill Mattress
- If you want a traditional memory foam feel, you won’t get the slow sinkage you’re looking for in the Sapira Chill.
Get all the details you need in our full Leesa Sapira Chill mattress review. You can also click here to get our best deal or see our best mattress for back 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 Natural Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7/10
Warranty
25-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Birch Natural Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
25-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Birch Natural Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 7/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
25-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
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, former 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 exclusive 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.
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.
| Lightweight Sleepers | Average-Weight Sleepers | Heavyweight Sleepers |
| < 160 pounds | 160 – 230 pounds | > 230 pounds |
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 |
| Nectar Premier | Hip Pain | $1,499 | Nectar 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 |
| Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe | Hot Sleepers | $1,865 | Brooklyn Bedding 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 |
| 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.
Back Sleeper
