Is a firm or soft mattress better for me?

Is a firm or soft mattress better for me - summary

• Personal preference is key when choosing between firm and soft mattresses
• Consider body type and sleeping position when selecting a mattress; different body types need different support.
• Conduct a mattress test by spending 10-15 minutes in your typical sleep position to ensure comfort without pressure points.
• Contrary to common belief, firm mattresses don't always offer the best back support; it depends on individual comfort needs and pressure points.
• Sleepyhead mattresses feature advanced technology, including premium New Zealand-made comfort and support layers, for customisable support and comfort, tailored to personal sleeping preferences.

Is a firm or soft mattress better for me?

When you're choosing a new mattress there's a range of questions that you're likely to ask yourself – is it better to have a firm or a soft mattress? Is a soft mattress supportive enough?  The reality is that there's no one perfect mattress feel for everyone, and personal preference is the most important thing. There are, however, some important factors you should consider when deciding what's best for you.

A firm mattress provides a stable, supportive sleep surface that limits sinking, which can help keep the body well supported through the night. This feel often suits back and stomach sleepers who want steadier spinal positioning, and heavier sleepers who can find softer beds compress too much. Firmer builds commonly use dense foams, latex, or stronger spring systems to spread weight more evenly, while softer mattresses tend to contour more and can feel better for some side sleepers.

Firm mattresses benefits

• Stomach sleepers: A firm mattress helps stop the hips from dropping too far, which can reduce lower back strain.
• Back sleepers: A firm mattress supports a more neutral posture by holding the pelvis and mid-back up.
• Heavier individuals: Firm mattresses often feel more supportive over time.
• Pain sufferers: A firm mattress can help when alignment is the main issue, though many people do best with a balanced feel like medium-firm, especially during pregnancy or if pressure points need relieving.

Consider your body type

It makes sense that smaller, lighter people need a different level of support to bigger, heavier people. So consider your size, and which points of your body feel the most pressure when you lay down (do you have broad hips or shoulders?) 

Test mattresses properly

Whether you're a side, back or tummy sleeper, always test a mattress by lying the same way as you would normally sleep at home. Spend 10-15 minutes on each mattress you try to ensure you feel both comfortable and supported. You want to find the mattress that feels naturally comfortable and doesn't put pressure on any particular points of your body - if it does the mattress is probably too firm for you.

A firm mattress isn't always best

The myth that firm mattresses provide the best back support isn't true: typically firmer and softer-feeling mattresses in the same Sleepyhead range use the exact same support core. Again, it's all about finding the right support for you. This means ensuring there's no uncomfortable pressure on or pain in certain points of your body.

Hot sleeper

If you're a hot sleeper, you might prefer a firmer mattress. Soft mattresses allow your body to sink into the mattress further, reducing the amount of airflow and trapping body heat. People who tend to get hot at night will benefit more from a firmer mattress as their body will be on the mattress rather than in it, with more air circulating it.

Sleepyhead bed's comfort and support layer technology

Sleepyhead mattresses offer a wide range of comfort and support layer technologies that allow you to choose your mattress according to your personal sleeping preferences (firm, soft or a level in-between). You can sleep well knowing that you'll still be giving your body the support it needs.

Sleepyhead's unique technology

Sleepyhead has developed a range of advanced technologies to ensure your body is supported and your sleep is restorative. The comfort layers in all Sleepyhead mattresses is made from premium New Zealand made Dunlop Foam, delivering excellent support, pure comfort and ultimate durability. The high quality support layer of our mattresses enhances the pressure relieving properties of the comfort layers, as it contours to the body to help achieve natural spinal alignment. We've also developed revolutionary new support systems like Smart Suspension Technology, which offer unsurpassed personalised support to all sleepers.

Making the right choice for you

Investing in the right sized mattress is important, so don't rush into picking a certain size mattress because that's what you've always had.

Unsure on the other factors you should be researching? Our bed buying guide takes the guesswork out of buying a bed that's perfect for your unique sleeping style. We'll guide you through the process of deciding what you need before you go visiting stores to try out your dream mattress.

Get a better night's sleep with Sleepyhead

Choosing the right bed size for you will ultimately affect your sleep. The sleep experts at Sleepyhead are here to ensure you get the rest you deserve. Get more sleep tips and helpful information on our Sleep Guide.