Of course, we also factor in price, trial periods, and warranty to guarantee each of our best soft mattresses are an excellent value. We also consider buying options (such as being able to buy a mattress on Amazon for convenience) while putting together our list.
For a full rundown of our mattress testing process (and to discover how much we nerd out on sleep technology), check out our full sleep product testing methodology.
Benefits of a Soft Mattress
Wondering if you should buy a soft mattress? Here are a few perks of owning one:
- They offer gentle cradling for side sleepers with sensitive joints
- Their cushioned surface can help alleviate pressure points
- They tend to have better motion isolation than firm beds
- They are often lighter-weight, making them easier to transport and move onto a bed frame
- They have a cloud-like feel that many say is exceptionally comfortable
What You Should Consider When Shopping for a Soft Mattress
Soft mattresses can sometimes be tougher to shop for than medium or firm mattresses simply because you’ll want to make sure your mattress has plenty of support to promote spinal alignment, which is essential to preventing back pain. Or in other words, you’ll want to avoid purchasing a mattress that’s so soft that your spine caves into the middle of the bed. Here’s how to find a soft mattress that’s both plush and supportive.
Firmness
Soft is a wide-encompassing term with a range of actual softness levels. At the firmest end are medium or medium-soft beds, which tend to be the most supportive, while at the plushest side are very soft beds that will likely cause you to collapse into the center. Those ultra-plush beds may feel heavenly at first, but chances are they won’t be supportive enough for good sleeping posture, and after sleeping on them for a long period of time, you may even experience back pain. If you like a softer feel, we suggest seeking out a bed that’s medium-soft or medium. This will create the right balance of soft yet supportive, but won’t be so soft as to cause pain.
Sleeping Position
Side sleepers with sensitive shoulders or hips can be great candidates for softer beds, while back and stomach sleepers may want to consider opting for a medium-firm or firm bed. Because back and stomach sleepers require more support to keep the spine aligned, sleeping on a soft bed can potentially cause low back sinkage, preventing the hips from being elevated. Still, keep in mind that firmness is subjective. Not all side sleepers will love soft beds, while some back or stomach sleepers might still crave that plush, soft mattress feel.
Mattress Type
The right mattress type for you is ultimately a personal choice that depends on your sleeping style and preferences. A memory foam mattress will be more cradling, but may trap heat within the foam layers. An innerspring mattress, meanwhile, might offer more pressure relief than memory foam, but might not be as soft as foam if you’re going for that cloud-like feel. A hybrid mattress usually falls somewhere in the middle (blending soft foam layers with sturdy coil support), while a latex mattress will be an excellent choice for breathability or for those with allergies.
Low Back Support
Low back or lumbar support in a bed can take on different forms. Memory foam beds may have thicker foam layers to elevate your spine into neutral alignment, while innerspring or hybrid mattresses might be made with zoning features that offer greater support under the hips and low back. We recommend seeking out a soft bed with at least one of these features to help promote a healthy spine and of course, comfortable and pain-free sleep without any sinkage.
FAQs
What type of mattress is the softest?
Memory foam mattresses tend to feel the softest because memory foam contours around your body, creating that cloud-like feeling. Still, there are plenty of medium and firm memory foam mattresses out there, so be sure to select the softest option if you’re going for a plush bed.
Can a soft mattress damage your back?
It’s important to note that not all soft mattresses will damage your back, especially if they have great support, but a mattress that’s so soft that it doesn’t properly support your body can cause you to sink into the bed. This throws off the natural alignment of your spine, which can potentially lead to aches and pains.
Who are soft mattresses good for?
Soft mattresses may be a good choice for side sleepers with sore shoulders or hips that gentle cradling can help alleviate. A mattress that’s too firm, for instance, can cause pressure buildup along sensitive joints. Soft mattresses also tend to be easier to move around, which may make them a more attractive choice for those purchasing a mattress in a box that requires setup.
Can a soft mattress cause hip pain?
A soft mattress that causes you to sink too much around the hip or low back area can cause hip pain, since this disrupts the natural curvature of your spine. A mattress with low back support and ample pressure relief can help prevent hip pain.
