Mattress Firmness Guide: Stop Choosing by Number Alone

Firmness is the perceived softness or hardness of the sleep surface; support is the mattress's ability to keep the body appropriately supported. They are related but not identical.

Body weight changes the experience

Lighter sleepers generally compress a mattress less, while heavier sleepers compress the comfort layers more. That is why the same firmness label can feel different to two people.

Position matters

Side sleepers usually need enough give around shoulders and hips. Stomach sleepers often need to limit midsection sink. Back sleepers tend to seek a balance of contouring and stability. Treat these as starting points, not medical prescriptions.