Sleep Health

Published March 7, 2022

10 min

Mattress Firmness Scale

DreamCloud Editorial Team

Table of contents

Understanding the Mattress Firmness ScaleWhy Mattress Firmness Matters For Sleep QualityThe Science Behind Firmness and SupportMatching Firmness to Your Sleeping PositionHow Body Weight Influences Your Ideal FirmnessBeyond the Number: What Creates Firmness in a MattressFirmness and Temperature: The Connection You Should Know AboutSigns Your Mattress Firmness Isn't Right For YouThe Breaking-In Period: How Firmness EvolvesFrequently Asked Questions

Exceptional sleep is about so much more than just finding a place to close your eyes. Better sleep leads to improved health, mood, and longevity – and when you’re choosing a new mattress, knowing about firmness is not just helpful; it is important.The truth is, mattress firmness isn't one-size-fits-all. One sleeper’s perfect fit can be another’s rock hard (or crazy soft! We’ve seen it all). That's why we created this comprehensive guide: to help you choose the right support and firmness in your mattress.

Understanding the Mattress Firmness Scale

Let's start with the fundamentals. The mattress firmness scale typically ranges from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 the firmest. Here's a detailed breakdown:

1-3: Soft - Deep cradling with plush, airy comfort
4-6: Medium - Balanced comfort with a mix of cradling and support
7-9: Firm - A bit of cradling with solid, stable support
10: Extra firm - Maximum support with very little give

It's worth noting that the mattress industry doesn't use a standardized firmness scale, so what one brand calls "medium-firm" might feel different than another company's range. That’s why we recommend focusing on how different firmness levels perform for various sleep styles, along with relying on in person trials, online reviews, and generous trial periods.

Why Mattress Firmness Matters For Sleep Quality

Mattress firmness directly impacts two critical aspects of your sleep experience:

Comfort: Comfort is subjective to you, describing whether you prefer a softer surface or a firmer one.
Support: Support is more objective, describing how effectively a mattress keeps your spine aligned.

One common misconception shoppers make is equating firmness with support — assuming firmer mattresses automatically provide better support. The reality? This isn’t the case.If two mattresses have the exact same structure, but one has a slightly thicker layer of soft foam, that mattress will inherently feel softer. But once your body sinks that extra inch or two, it’ll be lying above the exact same support core. Which means, really, that the support offered in those two mattresses is the same. The key to proper support isn’t simply finding the firmest mattress there is. It’s finding a mattress that maintains proper spinal alignment for your unique body type and sleeping style.

The Science Behind Firmness and Support

When you lie down on your mattress, your body creates pressure points where weight is concentrated—typically around the shoulders, hips, and lower back. A well-designed mattress—regardless of firmness—should:

Maintain proper spinal alignment from head to toe
Distribute pressure evenly across your body
Provide targeted support for your body’s natural curves
Balance comfort and support for your specific needs

This careful equilibrium between pressure relief and support explains why firmness matters so much for quality sleep. When your mattress offers the right firmness for your needs, your muscles can fully relax instead of working overtime to compensate for poor alignment—allowing you to wake refreshed and ready to embrace your day.

Matching Firmness to Your Sleeping Position

Your preferred sleeping position is perhaps the most significant factor in determining your ideal firmness level:

Side Sleepers

If you're among the approximately 70% of people who sleep on their side, you'll typically benefit from soft to medium-firm mattresses (3-6 on the firmness scale). Why? In this position, your shoulders and hips bear most of your body weight, creating potential pressure points.Premium mattresses with pressure-relieving comfort layers allow these wider parts of your body to sink just enough to maintain proper spinal alignment. Side sleepers who experience shoulder or hip discomfort on firmer surfaces should consider mattresses with enhanced pressure relief, such as those with memory foam or pillow-top comfort layers that provide luxurious cushioning.

Back Sleepers

Back sleepers generally thrive on mattresses in the medium to medium-firm range (5-7). This sweet spot provides essential lumbar support while preventing your hips from sinking too deeply—maintaining the natural curve of your lower back for optimal alignment.For back sleepers, proper lumbar support is particularly crucial. The right firmness level fills the space between the mattress and your lower back, supporting its natural curvature and preventing morning stiffness or discomfort.

Stomach Sleepers

If you primarily sleep on your stomach, firmer mattresses (7-9) typically offer the best experience. Stomach sleeping can place strain on your neck and lower back, and softer mattresses might allow your midsection to sink too deeply, potentially leading to back pain.A more supportive surface helps keep your spine in a neutral position throughout the night. Stomach sleepers with sensitive shoulders might consider a mattress with a slightly softer top layer but a firm supportive core—delivering necessary support while still offering cushioning comfort.

Combination Sleepers

Many of us switch positions throughout the night. If that describes your sleep style, a medium-firm mattress (around 6-7) often provides the versatility needed to accommodate different sleeping positions.Combination sleepers should also consider mattress responsiveness—how quickly it adjusts when you change positions. Premium hybrid mattresses like DreamCloud's offerings provide an excellent balance of contouring comfort and responsive support, allowing you to move effortlessly throughout the night without feeling restricted.

How Body Weight Influences Your Ideal Firmness

Your body weight significantly impacts how you experience mattress firmness:

Lighter Individuals (Under 130 lbs)

If you're on the lighter side, firmer mattresses might feel unnecessarily hard because you don't exert enough pressure to fully engage the comfort layers. You'll typically want to choose a mattress that's slightly softer than the general recommendation for your sleeping position.Lighter sleepers often benefit from mattresses with plush euro or pillow tops that provide immediate cushioning, allowing lighter bodies to experience the pressure-relieving benefits that heavier sleepers might feel on firmer surfaces.

Average Weight (130-230 lbs)

Most firmness recommendations are calibrated for this weight range. If you fall within these parameters, standard suggestions for your sleeping position should work well for you.That said, personal preference still plays a significant role. Within the average weight category, some sleepers naturally prefer a softer feel while others enjoy more firmness. Trust your comfort instincts, even if they differ slightly from general recommendations.

Heavier Individuals (Over 230 lbs)

If you carry more weight, you'll likely sink deeper into any mattress. You may prefer a mattress that's slightly firmer than the general recommendation for your sleeping position to ensure adequate support. Additionally, look for mattresses with enhanced support systems, such as the individually-wrapped coils found in DreamCloud's hybrid mattresses, which provide exceptional durability and support.Heavier sleepers should also consider mattress thickness. A mattress that's at least 12 inches thick typically provides better durability and support for higher body weights. DreamCloud's luxury hybrid models feature generous profiles (12-15 inches) that allow for both substantial comfort layers and robust support systems.

Beyond the Number: What Creates Firmness in a Mattress

Mattress firmness isn't determined by a single factor—it's created through a sophisticated combination of comfort, transition, and support layers.

Comfort Layers: The top layers that provide immediate cushioning and pressure relief
Transition Layers: The middle sections that determine just how deeply you’ll sink
Support Core: The foundation that provides overall stability and durability

The materials used in each layer also play a crucial role in determining mattress firmness. Memory foam typically creates a more contouring feel, while support foam and individually-wrapped coils offer increased responsiveness. Look for the ratio of memory foam to support materials, as more memory foam will likely result in a softer feeling mattress.

Firmness and Temperature: The Connection You Should Know About

An often-overlooked aspect of mattress firmness is how it affects sleep temperature. Generally, softer mattresses allow more sinking, which can restrict airflow around your body and potentially lead to warmer sleep. Firmer mattresses, with less sinkage, often allow for better airflow and cooler sleeping conditions.However, modern mattress innovations have largely addressed this concern. Many mattresses incorporate advanced cooling technologies like breathable covers, cooling fibers, and individually-wrapped coils that promote airflow—ensuring temperature regulation regardless of your preferred firmness level. This means you can select your ideal firmness without compromising on sleeping cool.DreamCloud Luxe and Ultra include temperature regulating materials in addition to cooling fibers, ensuring a cooler sleep every night.

Signs Your Mattress Firmness Isn't Right For You

How do you know if your mattress firmness isn't working for your needs? Watch for these telltale signs:

Waking with pain or stiffness, particularly in your lower back, neck, or shoulders
Tossing and turning throughout the night, unable to get comfortable
Feeling like you're sinking too deeply (or not sinking in enough!)
Numbness or tingling in your limbs when you wake
Not feeling refreshed, even after a full night's sleep
Sleeping better in other beds (like hotel mattresses)
Using multiple pillows to compensate for lack of proper support

These signs could indicate that your mattress isn't providing the right balance of firmness and support for your unique needs.

The 30-Second Alignment Check

Here's a quick test to check if your current mattress firmness is working for you:

Lie in your typical sleeping position
Have someone take a photo of you from the side (or use a self-timer)
Check your spinal alignment:Side sleepers: Your spine should form a straight horizontal line
Back/stomach sleepers: Your body should maintain its natural S-curve without excessive sinking at the hips

If your spine appears misaligned, your mattress firmness may not be optimal for your needs—and it might be time to consider an upgrade to a mattress designed with your specific sleep style in mind.

The Breaking-In Period: How Firmness Evolves

It's important to note that most new mattresses slightly soften during the first few weeks of use. This "breaking-in" period is normal and beneficial as the mattress adapts to your body's unique contours. This is why we always recommend giving any new mattress at least 30 nights before making a final assessment of its firmness level—allowing time for both the mattress to adjust and for your body to adapt to the new sleep surface.Remember, while guides like this provide valuable starting points, mattress firmness is ultimately a personal preference. What matters most is how your mattress feels to you and whether it helps you wake up feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to embrace the day ahead.Disclaimer: This website does not offer medical advice nor professional medical services; rather, it is provided solely for educational, informational, and/or entertainment purposes. Individuals seeking medical advice should consult a licensed physician. The information provided should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any condition, disease, or injury. When you have a medical condition, you should always talk to licensed doctor or other certified medical professional. You should never delay seeking professional medical advice or treatment based on the contents of this website. Call 911 or immediately go to the nearest emergency room if you think you may have a medical emergency. The contents of this website are provided "as-is", Dreamcloud Sleep and its parent, subsidiaries, affiliates, employees, contributors disclaim any warranty of the information contained herein. Please contact support@dreamcloud.com to report any errors, omissions, misinformation, or abuse.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between plush and firm mattresses? A plush mattress is softer and lets the body sink in properly. For a stomach sleeper, a plush mattress would give them lower back pain. They need a firm mattress to sleep. How to make a mattress firmer? There are many ways to make your mattress firmer. You can use plywood under it, rotating the mattress and flipping it regularly. You could also add a box spring to make the mattress firmer. What firmness of mattress do hotels use? Most hotels use a pillow-top mattress to make it more comfortable for the guests. Hotels also use inspiring or memory foam mattresses to give their guests a comfortable experience. What is the best mattress firmness for toddlers? Foam and inspiring mattresses are great for toddlers, and these are popular in most stores. You can also use a hybrid mattress that will support the baby better.