Mattress Firmness Guide

Choosing the right mattress firmness is key to a restful sleep. The right level depends on your sleeping position, body weight, and even your stage of life.

In this guide, we’ll help you understand these factors so you can choose with confidence the mattress with the right firmness.

Mattress Firmness By Sleeping Position

  • Side Sleepers

    Mattress with medium soft to medium firmness work best

    • Side sleepers tend to put more pressure on the shoulders, hips, and lower back
    • Pocket spring mattresses with softer shoulder zones and firmer hip zones help to keep your spine aligned

  • Back Sleepers

    Mattress with medium to medium firm firmness work best

    • Back sleepers can usually adapt to a range of mattress firmness, as their posture naturally supports spinal alignment
    • Mattresses that keep the hips lifted while cushioning the shoulders and lower back work best

  • Combination Sleepers

    Mattress with medium to medium firm firmness work best

    • Combination sleepers shift between multiple positions such as side, back and stomach throughout the night
    • Mattress with latex top layers are preferred for their adaptability to different sleep positions

  • Stomach Sleepers

    Mattress with medium firm to firm firmness work best

    • Stomach sleepers need a mattress that offer firm support and minimal sinkage, in contrast to side sleepers
    • Mattress that is firmer helps to keep the hip aligned with the shoulder, helping to alleviate back pain

Mattress Firmness By Weight

  • Weight <60kg

    Mattress with medium soft to medium firmness work best

    • Softer mattress provides better conturing support for sleepers with smaller frames as they exert less pressure on the mattress

  • Weight >90kg

    Mattress with medium firm to firm firmness work best

    • Firmer mattress prevents excessive sinkage for heavier individuals who exert more pressure on the mattress

Mattress Firmness By Age

  • Kids <16 Years Old

    Mattress with medium to medium firm firmness work best

    • Medium to medium firm mattress offers the necessary support for proper spinal alignment in children as their spines develop
    • Since kids move frequently during sleep, a mattress that is too firm may restrict comfort in different sleeping positions

  • Elderlies

    Mattress with medium firm firmness work best

    • Medium to medium firm mattress allows for easier movement in and out of bed, without feeling stuck or sinking too deeply
    • As muscle mass declines and bones weaken, a firmer mattress helps maintain spinal alignment and prevent sagging.

When to Replace Your Mattress

  • Soreness at Pressure Points

    Try a medium to medium soft mattress that better contours to your body

  • Back Pain

    Switch to a medium firm to firm mattress for better support

  • Waking Up Tired

    Assess your sleeping posture to choose the mattress of the right firmness