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Best Soft and Plush Mattress of 2026
Top Picks From Our Sleep Experts
If sinking into a perfectly plush bed every night sounds dreamy, then a soft mattress might be the right fit for you. Soft mattresses feature adaptive comfort layers that mold to your curves. And since they ease pressure points in areas like the shoulders, lower back, and hips, they’re a good option for anyone with aches and pains, as well as side sleepers. Find out the pros and cons of soft mattresses — and if they’re right for you — in our guide below.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall Mattress
:Softer WinkBed
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Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
:Helix Sunset Luxe
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Most Comfortable Mattress
:Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Soft
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Best Value Mattress
:Layla Memory Foam Mattress
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Best Luxury Innerspring
:Saatva Classic – Plush Soft
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Best Mattress for Couples
:Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
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Best Cooling Mattress
:Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Soft
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Best Mattress for Back Pain
:Bear Elite Ultra Hybrid – Soft
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Best Mattress for Motion Isolation
:Molecule Engage Elite Hybrid
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Best Foam Mattress
:Tuft & Needle Original
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Best Mattress for Spinal Alignment
:Nolah Evolution – Plush
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Best Organic Mattress
:Happsy Mattress – Plush
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Best Mattress Deals Happening Now
- Save $771 — Softer WinkBed
$1,799(List Price $2,570) - Save $625 — Helix Sunset Luxe
$1,874(List Price $2,499) - Save $424 — Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Soft
$1,026(List Price $1,450) - Save $150 — Layla Memory Foam Mattress
$999(List Price $1,149) - Save $650 — Saatva Classic – Plush Soft
$1,579(List Price $2,229)
Watch Video: We Tested the Best Soft Mattresses – Here Are Our Favorites
Watch the video below to get a more in-depth look at our top picks for Best Soft Mattress.
How We Test
Testing Criteria
Soft mattresses offer a plush sensation and excellent pressure relief. However, they still need to be supportive enough to prevent sinking and keep the spine aligned. In our search for the best soft mattresses, we looked at the following:
Pressure and relief support: A good soft mattress should feel pillow-like but supportive in key areas, like the midsection. This is where we generally carry the most weight, so it’s important that you don’t “sink” into the bed due to a lack of support.
Mattress type and construction: Innerspring coils are usually the best way to counterbalance the mattress’s softness, which is why hybrid or full innerspring mattresses are generally among some of the best options. You’ll find many of these on our list.
Temperature regulation: Soft mattresses are often filled with absorbent materials that can trap heat. Hot sleepers may want to look for ones with cooling technology or ones made with more breathable materials, like open-cell designs or gel-infused foam.
How We Evaluated
To help us determine the best soft mattresses, we turned to our database of over 1,000 mattresses. In addition to achieving high marks in our testing criteria categories, we also considered these additional factors:
- Overall comfort
- Sleep position
- Pressure relief
Our testing team, which includes a diverse range of sleepers with different body sizes, sleep positions, and sleep needs, then provided numerical scores for our performance categories. After that, they assigned accolades to each bed, and ultimately chose these ten as the best soft mattresses.
Our Testing Team

Logan Foley
Executive Product Director
Full Bio

Mary Fenton
Head of Product Content
Full Bio

Jeremy Klein
Product Testing Manager
Full Bio

Brad Nehring
Product Testing Manager
Full Bio

Colin Simpson
Product Research Manager
Full Bio
Looking at Other Mattresses? Explore Our Mattress Ratings Database
Browse and compare mattress info and our hands-on Test Lab ratings for many of the most popular mattresses on the market.
Learn More About the Best Soft Mattresses
Best Overall Mattress
8.9/10Test Lab Score
Softer WinkBed
High end hybrid bed providing ample support, cushion, and cool sleep.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers up to 230 pounds and back sleepers under 130 pounds.
- Feel: Medium soft (4) feel with a close contour for your entire body.
- What It’s Made Of: Two polyfoam comfort layers and a support core of zoned pocketed coils with a reinforced perimeter.
- What We Don’t Like: People over 230 pounds will probably find this mattress too soft.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance


What People Are Saying
The WinkBed is a luxury hybrid available in four different firmness levels. The Softer WinkBed is medium soft (4), but we were impressed by how stable and supportive this mattress felt. A plush pillow-top paired with zoned coils make this mattress feel exceptionally balanced.
How It Performed
The Softer WinkBed’s most favorable ratings came from our side and back sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds, but heavier side sleepers also felt comfortable on the mattress. The two foam layers contour closely to cushion the spine and alleviate pressure in the shoulders and hips, two areas prone to soreness for people who primarily use the side position.
As a medium soft model, the Softer WinkBed performed well in areas where firmer hybrids typically fall short during our tests. When we evaluated the mattress for motion isolation, we found that the foam layers absorbed movement and reduced transfer to a significant extent. Our pressure relief tests also revealed little buildup.
Construction Breakdown
The Softer WinkBed begins with adaptive polyfoam quilted into the Euro-top cover, giving the mattress an invitingly plush surface. A secondary foam layer provides transitional support by cushioning your body while keeping you aloft. Zoned pocketed coils make up the base layer. Thicker coils rest beneath your midsection, creating extra pushback for your torso and hips, and perimeter reinforcement prevents the mattress from sinking too much when you sleep near the edges or get in and out of bed.
A cover made of Tencel fabric encases the mattress. This eucalyptus-derived material has cooling and moisture-wicking properties to offset heat retention from the foam and help you sleep comfortably. At 13.5 inches, the Softer WinkBed is considered a high-profile mattress.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
Shipping is free throughout the contiguous U.S., and WinkBeds backs each purchase with a 120-night trial period. You may exchange the Softer WinkBed for a firmer model during the trial at no extra cost if you aren’t satisfied with your initial choice, and the replacement mattress comes with an additional 60-night trial. All WinkBed mattresses are covered under lifetime warranties.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
9.0/10Test Lab Score
Helix Sunset Luxe
Uber-conforming hug but without sacrificing on the support you need.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side and back sleepers under 130 pounds.
- Feel: Soft (3) design with a plush feel and deep contouring.
- What It’s Made Of: Comfort layers of polyfoam and copper-infused memory foam over zoned pocketed coils with perimeter reinforcement.
- What We Don’t Like: Too soft for most back and stomach sleepers.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
What People Are Saying
The Helix Sunset Luxe is one of the plushest mattresses on the market, nicely showcasing all the defining qualities of soft, adaptive mattresses. Deep foam layers allow your body to sink into the mattress surface, and this can alleviate stiffness and soreness in your shoulders, lower back, and hips. Our tests also show the Sunset Luxe isolates motion for couples much better than the average hybrid model.
How It Performed
Side sleepers under 130 pounds awarded the Sunset Luxe its highest ratings during our hands-on tests. The response from most of our other testers was less glowing. Our main takeaway is that the mattress is ideal for anyone who enjoys close contouring and being “hugged” by their mattress — but even with a coil support system, support is fairly limited and people who weigh 130 pounds or more should consider a firmer model.
Motion isolation is a defining strength of the Sunset Luxe. This may appeal to light sleepers in this weight range who are easily disturbed by their partner’s nighttime movements. We also noticed minimal heat buildup when testing for temperature control. This is uncommon for a mattress with thick foam layers, and can be attributed to the breathable Tencel cover. That said, people who run exceptionally hot in bed should consider the cooling GlacioTex cover upgrade.
Construction Breakdown
Three foam layers cushion the Sunset Luxe’s Euro-top surface, beginning with adaptive memory foam that softens when it comes into contact with body heat and adapts to your body’s unique curves. Underlying polyfoam layers provide additional cushioning, but also gently push back against your weight. Pocketed coils and dense base foam make up the support core. The coils are zoned to feel sturdier beneath your torso and hips, and reinforced along the perimeter — though edge support is limited at best.
Standard-issue Sunset Luxe covers are made of Tencel, a eucalyptus-derived fabric known for its breathability and moisture-wicking properties. For an added fee, you can upgrade to a cover made of GlacioTex. This phase change material is engineered to instantly dissipate heat and feel cool to the touch at all times.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
The Sunset Luxe is competitively priced and shipping is free to the contiguous U.S. You’ll receive two pillows with your purchase at no extra cost. Helix’s sleep trial spans 365 nights in length. If you decide to keep the mattress, it’s further backed by a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.
Most Comfortable Mattress
8.3/10Test Lab Score
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Soft
A high-quality, affordable hybrid with multiple firmness options.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side and back sleepers under 130 pounds.
- Feel: Medium soft (4) with deep cushioning for the shoulders, lower back, and hips.
- What It’s Made Of: Polyfoam and memory foam comfort layers over a support core with pocketed coils and high-density base foam.
- What We Don’t Like: Too soft for most stomach sleepers.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
What People Are Saying
Brooklyn Bedding’s Signature Hybrid is a versatile mattress at an affordable price-point. The mattress is available in three firmness levels, but the Soft model is by far the plushest of all three options – and among the hybrids we’ve tested in our lab.
How It Performed
The mattress has a medium soft (4) feel, and side sleepers on our team weighing up to 230 pounds found this model very comfortable. The bed was also well suited for back sleepers under 130 pounds. Our tests also showed that the mattress excelled at absorbing motion, which means you won’t feel very many movements from your co-sleeper at night. It also offers excellent pressure relief if you experience painful pressure buildup when you sleep.
The bed performed surprisingly well during temperature neutrality tests. Mattresses with significant amounts of foam hug the body to alleviate pressure points, and this usually results in heat retention. However the Signature Hybrid – Soft combats this issue with strong airflow through the coil support core.
Construction Breakdown
The Signature Hybrid – Soft includes a quilted top that makes the surface feel comfortable and plush. The comfort system starts with proprietary TitanFlex foam that adapts to your movements and reduces pressure in your joints. The TitanFlex also has a gel infusion designed to absorb and dissipate excess body heat. A second comfort layer of memory foam and a transitional layer of proprietary VariFlex foam provide additional cushioning and relieve pressure point discomfort.
The Signature Hybrid’s support core contains pocketed coils on a dense polyfoam base. The coils are individually encased to move independently while you sleep. These coils stabilize the sleep surface and help cut down on how much motion is transferred across the bed. The perimeter is reinforced with higher-gauge coils to increase edge support.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
Each mattress carries a lifetime warranty and a 365-night sleep trial. Anyone wishing to return a mattress must first try it for 30 nights. Free shipping is available to customers in the contiguous U.S.
Best Value Mattress
8.4/10Test Lab Score
Layla Memory Foam Mattress
The gold standard of dual-sided mattresses with a pleasant memory foam feel.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side and back sleepers seeking a reversible mattress with a different firmness on each side.
- Feel: Medium soft (4) on one side and firm (7) on the other.
- What It’s Made Of: Memory foam and transitional polyfoam layers on each side, and a shared support core of high-density foam sandwiched in the middle.
- What We Don’t Like: Not suitable for people seeking a true medium or medium firm mattress.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
What People Are Saying
While low-cost one-sided mattresses are fairly commonplace, we’ve found that flippable models with affordable price tags are harder to come by. The Layla Mattress bucks this trend with an innovative, reversible design that carries a budget-friendly price-point and performs well over time. The adaptive all-foam design also absorbed and prevented movement transfer during our performance tests.
How It Performed
Side sleepers on our team who weigh up to 230 pounds preferred the Layla’s medium soft (4) side. The opposite surface is considered firm (7) and didn’t contour as closely, creating a more supportive feel for side-sleeping testers who weigh more than 230 pounds. This side was also quite comfortable for back and stomach sleepers weighing 130 to 230 pounds.
Thanks to its all-foam design, the Layla Mattress absorbs movement and minimizes motion transfer, so you shouldn’t experience any sleep disturbances when your partner moves around or gets up — and vice versa.
Construction Breakdown
One side of the Layla Mattress has a thick memory foam layer. This surface conformed very closely to cushion our shoulders and hips, align the spine, and alleviate pressure during our tests. A copper infusion in both memory foam layers is intended to prevent heat buildup on each surface and help the mattress sleep cool.
The shared support core of high-density polyfoam is located in the center to reinforce the mattress no matter which side you choose. A standout feature is the Layla’s polyester, rayon, viscose, and poly-lycra cover, which can be removed and dry-cleaned to keep the mattress hygienic.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
In addition to a low sticker price for this mattress, Layla reduces your upfront costs with free ground delivery anywhere in the contiguous U.S. The mattress comes with a 120-night sleep trial, free shipping on all returns, and a lifetime warranty against excessive sagging and other structural defects.
Best Luxury Innerspring
8.8/10Test Lab Score
Saatva Classic – Plush Soft
A traditional innerspring with a cushy, adaptive surface.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side and back sleepers under 130 pounds.
- Feel: Soft (3) design with plush cushioning and a close body hug.
- What It’s Made Of: Polyfoam comfort layer and memory foam lumbar pad over pocketed microcoils and steel, low-gauge innerspring coils.
- What We Don’t Like: Responsive design may create motion transfer for couples.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
What People Are Saying
Saatva’s mattress lineup has grown considerably in recent years, but the flagship Classic remains one of the brand’s most beloved models. The mattress boasts a luxurious design complete with a Euro-top and coil-on-coil support system. You can choose from three firmness levels, including a soft (3) option if you prefer deep contouring and cushioning. The Classic is also available in profiles of 11.5 and 14.5 inches.
How It Performed
Our team has personally tested each Saatva Classic design. The Luxury Plush earned its most favorable ratings from our side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds, and back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. We noticed little difference between the 11.5-inch and 14.5-inch profiles, though the latter provides more overall support.
While these versions of the Classic feel quite soft on the surface, the dual-coil construction created plenty of pushback during our tests for edge support and ease of movement. Our testers also noticed exceptional cooling thanks to steady airflow through both coil layers and the breathable organic cotton cover.
Construction Breakdown
The Saatva Classic features a Euro-top cushioned with foam and fiber fill. We found the surface exceptionally soft and adaptive. The transitional layer consists of pocketed minicoils for extra cushioning. In the support core, low-gauge bonnell coils are reinforced with high-density foam rails. The coils measure 4 inches thick for the 11.5-inch mattress, and 7 inches thick for the 14.5-inch mattress.
The cover is composed of organic cotton certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard, a leading authority for sustainably sourced fabrics. Each Classic is treated with Guardin, an antimicrobial agent intended to safeguard the mattress from mold, mildew, and harmful bacteria. In addition to the Luxury Plush design, you can also opt for a medium firm (6) or firm (8) feel for the mattress.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
The Saatva Classic is reasonably priced compared to other innersprings and hybrids. All customers in the contiguous U.S. qualify for free White Glove delivery, which includes a scheduled delivery date, full assembly in a room of your choice, and removal of your old mattress and box spring upon request. Saatva’s sleep trial spans an entire year, and those who keep their mattress also receive a lifetime warranty.
Best Mattress for Couples
9.0/10Test Lab Score
Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
A foam hybrid that cushions your body without trapping heat.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Couples, hot sleepers, and side and back sleepers across all weight groups.
- Feel: Available in medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (7) designs.
- What It’s Made Of: Four foam layers encased in a Euro-top, followed by a support core with pocketed coils and dense base foam.
- What We Don’t Like: Thick profile requires a deep-pocket fitted sheet, and the initial off-gassing odor can linger for a few nights.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
What People Are Saying
If you and your partner are shopping for a new mattress, it’s important to take both of your needs and preferences into account. The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid is a solid compromise choice due to its balanced design. This mattress is available in three firmness levels, including a plush medium (5) option, but all feature thick foam layers that provide deep contouring and cushioning for your most sensitive areas.
How It Performed
After testing all three of the Sapira Chill’s designs, we’ve determined the medium (5) – which is the softest option – best suits side and back sleepers under 130 pounds. Some of our side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds also enjoyed this model. People who weigh more, as well as stomach sleepers across different weight groups, will probably prefer the more supportive medium firm (6) and firm (7) designs.
Since the mattress contains more than 5 inches of foam padding in its Euro-top comfort system, motion isolation and pressure relief are both above average. We also found that the Sapira Chill retains very little heat – this can be attributed to the foam’s open-cell composition, as well as steady airflow throughout the coil system that helps the interior maintain a comfortable temperature.
Construction Breakdown
The Sapira Chill Hybrid’s comfort system consists of four layers, beginning with 2 inches of adaptive polyfoam sewn to the cover. A cooling gel infusion helps the surface stay comfortable. Additional layers of memory foam and polyfoam provide extra cushioning, but how closely the mattress contours to your body depends on the firmness you choose. A fourth layer of transitional polyfoam forms a barrier between your body and the support core.
Pocketed coils and high-density base foam stabilize the mattress nicely. The coils are divided into three “zones,” with more robust springs located beneath your torso and hips to support the areas of your body where more weight is concentrated. The perimeter coils are also reinforced to bolster edge support.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
Leesa is one of the few online mattress brands that ships free of charge to all 50 states. Select locations in Canada also qualify for free delivery. The Sapira Chill Hybrid comes with a 365-night sleep trial. If you decide to keep the mattress after the return period has expired, your purchase is also covered under a lifetime warranty.
Best Cooling Mattress
8.4/10Test Lab Score
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Soft
Luxury hybrid with deep foam layers and cooling technology.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Hot sleepers who sleep on their side or back and weigh less than 130 pounds.
- Feel: Medium soft (4) feel with comfort layers that contour closely to the body.
- What It’s Made Of: Polyfoam and memory foam comfort layers over multi-zone pocketed coils with reinforced perimeter support.
- What We Don’t Like: Not supportive enough for most back and stomach sleepers – they should opt for one of the firmer designs.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
What People Are Saying
Brooklyn Bedding’s Aurora Luxe is a Euro-top hybrid designed for excellent temperature control. The cover and topmost comfort layer are both infused with phase change material (PCM), which is engineered to dissipate body heat and help you sleep cool throughout the year. Falling at a 4 on our 10-point firmness scale, the Aurora Luxe – Soft is the softest of the three firmness options. The mattress contours closely and is best suited to side sleepers and anyone who wants deep cushioning from their mattress.
How It Performed
Deep contouring and excellent cooling make the Aurora Luxe a great option for hot sleepers who experience pressure points along the spine. During our hands-on tests, the soft version of this mattress earned favorable ratings from side and back sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. We also detected minimal heat buildup during our temperature control tests.
The zoned coils were another highlight during our tests. While the Aurora Luxe – Soft conforms closely, most of us noticed little to no sinkage around the midsection when lying on the mattress. Moving across the surface was not uncomfortable for our testers weighing 230 pounds or less.
Construction Breakdown
The Aurora Luxe’s design varies by firmness level. The Soft begins with two layers of polyfoam collectively measuring 3.5 inches thick, making this model’s comfort system thicker than the other two versions of the mattress. An additional memory foam layer provides transitional support by cushioning the body and serving as a buffer between you and the support core. For even closer contouring, you can add an extra foam layer — known as the “Cloud” pillow-top — to the comfort system. This layer makes the mattress feel closer to a soft (3) than medium soft.
Zoned pocketed coils and a high-density polyfoam base layer provide sturdy reinforcement for the mattress. Thicker coils resting beneath your torso, lower back, and hips prevent deep sinkage around these areas, which tend to carry a disproportionate amount of weight.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
The Aurora Luxe is available in 10 different sizes. In addition to the six standard mattress sizes, you can also choose a split California king if you and your partner share an adjustable base in this size or three RV-friendly options. All Aurora Luxe purchases qualify for free shipping within the contiguous U.S. You’ll receive a 365-night trial with your order and a lifetime warranty if you decide to keep the mattress.
Best Mattress for Back Pain
8.5/10Test Lab Score
Bear Elite Ultra Hybrid – Soft
A luxurious dual-coil hybrid available in three firmness levels.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers up to 230 pounds, and back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds.
- Feel: A medium (5) feel with close contouring and targeted midsection support from the zoned coils.
- What It’s Made Of: Copper-infused memory foam, microcoils, and transitional polyfoam over zoned coils with extra perimeter support.
- What We Don’t Like: Strong initial off-gassing may persist for up to 72 hours after unboxing.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
What People Are Saying
If you wake up with stiffness or sore spots along your spine, you should consider a mattress that excels at pressure relief. The Bear Elite Ultra Hybrid is a prime example of a mattress that contours closely without sacrificing support. This model is available in three firmness levels, including a medium (5) option for those who prefer a softer sleep surface.
How It Performed
Our team tested all three of the Bear Elite Ultra Hybrid’s firmness levels. The “Soft” model received favorable ratings from side and back sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds, and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. The medium firm (6) and firm (8) designs were more comfortable for our testers over 230 pounds.
We were impressed with the Soft Elite Ultra Hybrid’s performance during our motion isolation and pressure relief tests. Thanks to the cooling cover and internal layers that promote airflow, our testers also noticed minimal heat buildup. The zoned coil layer effectively reduces sinkage along the perimeter, as well, so you should have an easy time getting on and off the mattress.
Construction Breakdown
The Elite Ultra Hybrid’s topmost layer is composed of memory foam infused with copper, which has natural cooling properties. A layer of microcoils provides additional cushioning, as well as some light pushback to prevent you from sinking too deeply. Dense polyfoam makes up the transitional layer.
The pocketed coils are also zoned to create enhanced support for your torso and hips. High-density base polyfoam completes the hybrid design. The entire mattress is encased in a polyester cover woven with Celliant, an innovative fabric engineered to capture and dissipate body heat.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
The Elite Ultra Hybrid is reasonably priced for a luxury hybrid and shipping is free of charge to customers in the contiguous U.S. Each order comes with a 365-night sleep trial. Bear’s standard mattress warranty covers structural defects for as long as you retain ownership.
Best Mattress for Motion Isolation
8.5/10Test Lab Score
Molecule Engage Elite Hybrid
A high-end foam hybrid with plush, pressure-relieving comfort layers.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers, couples, and people who prefer the deep hug of an ultra-plush mattress.
- Feel: Medium (5) design with thick foam layers that mold closely to the body and pocketed coils that provide light pushback in response to movement.
- What It’s Made Of: A comfort system with three individual foam layers, including zoned transitional foam, over pocketed coils encased in dense perimeter rails. The cover is a breathable polyester and polyethylene blend.
- What We Don’t Like: The mattress will probably feel too soft and sink excessively for back and stomach sleepers who weigh 130 pounds or more.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
What People Are Saying
Motion transfer is a nightly nuisance for many couples, especially those who share a springy, responsive mattress. The Molecule Engage Elite Hybrid excels at motion isolation despite its steel support coils, and this can be attributed to a comfort system with thick, adaptive foam layers that absorb movement exceptionally well. If you and your partner are looking for a hybrid that feels soft and won’t lead to sleep disturbances, the Engage Elite is a solid starting point.
How It Performed
During hands-on tests, the Molecule Engage Elite Hybrid earned its highest ratings from side sleepers on our team. Those weighing up to 230 pounds were especially impressed with the deep contouring and close cradling. Some back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds also found the mattress comfortable, but most testers who use these positions tend to prefer firmer, more supportive hybrids and innersprings.
Motion isolation and pressure relief were two of the Engage Elite Hybrid’s standout strengths during performance testing. Coil mattresses often struggle in these areas, but this model’s plush design helps ensure more cushioning and less movement across the surface. At the same time, the Engage Elite rated lower for edge support and ease of movement compared to other hybrids we’ve tested.
Construction Breakdown
The Engage Elite Hybrid’s comfort system begins with dense, adaptive polyfoam, which conforms to your entire body. An even denser polyfoam layer reinforces the surface foam, allowing you to feel deep cradling from head to toe without your midsection sinking too much into the mattress. Zoned, gel-infused transitional foam feels firmer around the torso and hips for added pushback where you need it most.
The Engage Elite Hybrid’s pocketed coils are enclosed in high-density foam rails to protect the perimeter and prevent excessive compression when you get in and out of bed. A thin layer of base foam rounds out the hybrid design, and the cover is composed of a breathable polyester and polyethylene blend. At 14 inches thick, this is a high-profile mattress that requires a deep-pocket fitted sheet.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
The Engage Elite Hybrid’s sticker price is pretty hefty, but comparable to other luxury hybrids with substantial comfort systems. Customers in the contiguous U.S. also qualify for free ground shipping, and all orders include a 100-night sleep trial. Defects in the mattress are covered under a 15-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Best Foam Mattress
8.6/10Test Lab Score
Tuft & Needle Original
Popular universal comfort mattress built in all-foam or hybrid versions.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers, couples, and people who usually run hot on softer foam beds.
- Feel: Plush and adaptive on the surface with foam that molds to your figure without hugging too closely and support layers to push back against your weight.
- What It’s Made Of: A comfort system with three individual layers, including a top layer of graphite-infused polyfoam for cooling, over a high-density foam base.
- What We Don’t Like: Most back and stomach sleepers who weigh 130 pounds or more will need a firmer, more supportive mattress.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
What People Are Saying
Many foam mattresses are on the softer side, but this can be a disadvantage if you want a mattress that provides decent support and bounce. The Tuft & Needle Original is a solid compromise if you prefer moderate contouring around your body and a bit of pushback from your bed’s support system. Thanks to its breathable comfort layers, the T&N Original also outperforms much of the competition in terms of cooling and temperature regulation.
How It Performed
During hands-on evaluations in our Seattle Test Lab, the Tuft & Needle Original earned exceptionally high marks from side sleepers. Those weighing up to 230 pounds were particularly impressed with the balanced medium (5) feel and light, yet noticeable, contour. Back sleepers under 130 pounds were also impressed, but heavier back sleepers and most stomach sleepers found the mattress too soft — these individuals tend to favor firmer beds.
Temperature control tests highlighted the Original’s above-average breathability, which we’ve attributed to the open-cell comfort layers and knit cover. Motion isolation is another strong point. While polyfoam is more responsive than memory foam, neither you nor your partner should experience sleep disruptions from the other person changing positions, tossing and turning, or making other movements in bed.
Construction Breakdown
The T&N Original contains three comfort layers, beginning with 1 inch of graphite-infused polyfoam to cushion and cool off the surface. Two more adaptive polyfoam layers add to the cushy feel and allow your body to compress a bit without sinking into the support core, which contains a thick block of high-density base foam. A knit cover encases the mattress, which stands 10 inches tall and won’t require a deep-pocket fitted sheet.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
The T&N Original’s sticker price is on par with that of the average all-foam model, and Tuft & Needle offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Your order includes a 100-night sleep trial. Your purchase is also covered under a 10-year warranty against structural and material defects.
Best Mattress for Spinal Alignment
7.9/10Test Lab Score
Nolah Evolution – Plush
A cloud-like experience with a plush euro-top in multiple firmnes options.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers up to 230 pounds, and back and stomach sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds.
- Feel: The softest Evolution design, this model is medium (5) for close conforming and cushioning.
- What It’s Made Of: Four foam layers in the comfort system, followed by pocketed coils with extra reinforcement along the perimeter and beneath your midsection.
- What We Don’t Like: Thick profile necessitates a fitted sheet with deep pockets.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance



What People Are Saying
The Nolah Evolution is a luxury hybrid with a foam comfort system resting over zoned pocketed coils. Three firmness levels are available, including a medium (5) option that contours closely for those who prefer softer mattresses. The open-cell foams are engineered to promote circulation and resist heat retention, allowing the mattress to sleep cool despite its deep conforming.
How It Performed
Our side sleepers awarded the Evolution favorable ratings across all weight groups, but the mattress was especially comfortable for those up to 230 pounds. Back sleepers weighing 230 pounds or less and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds also received adequate support. The mattress is available in medium firm (6) and firm (8) feels.
We were impressed by the Evolution’s cooling abilities. The comfort system contains open-cell foam layers that circulate air, rather than trapping heat, and the coils promote enough airflow to maintain a comfortable interior temperature. The coils are also zoned to reinforce the midsection and cradle the rest of the body, resulting in easy movement across the surface, and thicker perimeter coils provided good pushback during our edge support tests.
Construction Breakdown
The Evolution’s comfort system consists of four polyfoam layers that are progressively denser from top to bottom. You’ll notice a plush, adaptive feel when you get into bed, but the underlying foam layers should prevent you from sinking too much. All of these layers feature breathable open-cell foam, and the second layer is framed in a border gusset intended to dissipate heat.
Pocketed coils and a recycled plant fiber base layer make up the support core. Thicker coils rest beneath your torso and hips for enhanced support, while the perimeter is reinforced to reduce sinkage when you sleep near the edges of the mattress or get in and out of bed. A moisture-wicking cover encases the mattress.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
Nolah offers free ground shipping anywhere in the contiguous U.S. The Evolution comes with a 365-night sleep trial, but you can opt out of the trial period and decrease the cost of your purchase. You’ll also receive a lifetime warranty against structural defects that kicks in when the trial ends, and you can purchase a 10-year accident protection plan covering stains and other physical damage.
Best Organic Mattress
7.8/10Test Lab Score
Happsy Mattress – Plush
Plush latex hybrid with deep cushioning and a gentle bounce.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: People who want a mattress that conforms closely while retaining a bouncy surface and resisting heat buildup.
- Feel: A plush, adaptive surface that contours to the body without the hug of memory foam. Latex responds to movement with a mellow bounce.
- What It’s Made Of: A comfort system containing organic wool batting over 2 inches of GOLS-certified organic latex, followed by pocketed coils in the support core. An organic cotton cover encases the mattress.
- What We Don’t Like: The plush Happsy Organic Mattress is too soft and lacking in support for most back and stomach sleepers who weigh 130 pounds or more — they should consider the firmer design instead.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
What People Are Saying
Some sleepers enjoy the close contouring of adaptive foam, while others prefer the soothing bounce of latex. Happsy’s Plush Organic Mattress comes closer to achieving a true balance of these two distinct experiences than most other hybrids on the market. While the comfort system contains organic latex that conforms lightly and pushes back against your movements, a medium soft (4) feel ensures the mattress feels plush enough for people prone to pressure buildup along their spines.
How It Performed
During hands-on tests, the Happsy Organic Mattress – Plush was a big hit among the side sleepers on our team weighing up to 230 pounds. The general consensus among these testers is that the mattress feels more akin to a traditional memory foam hybrid, but without sacrificing the signature bounce of latex. Back sleepers under 130 pounds also found this mattress comfortable and sufficiently supportive. People who sleep on their back and/or stomach and weigh 130 pounds or more should consider the more supportive Happsy Organic Mattress – Firm instead.
Due to its softer feel, the Happsy Organic – Plush excelled in performance areas where latex hybrids often falter, such as motion isolation and pressure relief. The mattress also earned favorable ratings for temperature control. Edge support is somewhat lacking, and the mattress can be difficult to move across as the softer latex sinks beneath your weight, but these issues weren’t dealbreakers for our testing team.
Construction Breakdown
The Happsy’s comfort system begins with a layer of organic wool batting, a material with superior moisture-wicking properties that doubles as a natural fire barrier for the mattress. A 2-inch layer of GOLS-certified organic latex gives the comfort system a plush-yet-springy feel, marked by moderate contouring and a mellow bounce in response to movements and position changes. Pocketed coils make up the support core for extra strength and bounce, and a breathable organic cotton cover encases the mattress.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
Happsy offers free ground shipping to customers in the contiguous U.S. Deliveries to Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada incur additional charges. The Happsy Organic Mattress – Plush is backed by a 120-night sleep trial and robust 20-year warranty against manufacturing defects.
Why You Should (or Should Not) Sleep on a Soft Mattress
Our tests show that the best plush mattresses excel at pressure relief, so you can benefit from a soft surface if you frequently feel pain or hot spots along your spine. Motion isolation is another common strength of soft mattresses. This means less motion transfer and fewer sleep disruptions for couples.
Softer mattresses aren’t for everyone. Among our testing team, plush mattresses usually earn their most favorable ratings from side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds and back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds.
People who weigh more than 230 pounds may sink too much and wake up feeling sore after sleeping on a soft mattress. We’ve also found that softer, thicker layers tend to trap more heat, so you may feel uncomfortable on a plush mattress if you’re a hot sleeper.
How to Choose the Best Soft Mattress for Your Needs
Choosing any new mattress requires a great deal of consideration and involves a number of factors, but selecting the right firmness is a great place to start.
Sleeping Position and Body Weight
Our testing team rates each mattress using a 10-point firmness scale. Any mattress rated 5 or lower is considered on the softer side. But firmness is also subjective, and whether or not a soft mattress is right for you depends on your body type and sleep position.
We’ve found that side sleepers and people under 130 pounds tend to be the best candidates for soft mattresses. For side sleepers, extra cushioning beneath the shoulders and hips is key for proper alignment and less pressure. Sleepers under 130 pounds can enjoy the deep cushioning of a softer mattress without sinking too much.
Suggested firmness levels for each body type and sleep position are outlined below. These general recommendations are based on our hands-on tests and might not reflect your personal experience.
| Weight | Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers | Stomach Sleepers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 130 Pounds | Soft (3) to Medium (5) | Soft (3) to Medium (5) | Medium Soft (4) to Medium Firm (6) |
| 130 to 230 Pounds | Medium Soft (4) to Medium (5) | Medium (5) to Firm (7) | Medium (5) to Firm (7) |
| More than 230 Pounds | Medium Firm (6) to Firm (7) | Firm (7-8) to Extra Firm (9) | Firm (7-8) to Extra Firm (9) |
Contouring and Pressure Relief
Close contouring is a defining quality of most soft mattresses. This comes from thick comfort layers used to produce a plush feel on the surface. A mattress that contours evenly to distribute your weight and promote even alignment can reduce pressure buildup along your spine. However, if the mattress conforms too closely, you may sink too deeply into the mattress and feel uncomfortable during the night.
Back, Hip, or Shoulder Pain
Soft mattresses that cushion the body can alleviate aches and pains in areas along the spine. Mattresses with memory foam layers form a deep cradle around the body. If you want lighter contouring and more bounce, a soft mattress with latex layers may be more suitable.
Mattress Type and Quality
All mattress types are available in soft designs, but they still feel distinct from one another. Soft foam mattresses tend to be the plushest, most adaptive option — many describe them as “cloud-like” in the way they mold to your body. A soft latex mattress won’t hug the body as closely, but you’ll still receive plenty of cushioning. On average, latex mattresses last much longer than memory foam models.
You’ll also find softer innerspring and hybrid mattresses with coil support systems. These tend to be the most supportive options if you’re looking for a mattress that feels soft on the surface but still pushes back against your weight. Airbeds can be adjusted to specific firmness levels if you share your bed with a partner and differ in your preferences.
Trials, Returns, and Warranties
Most online mattress brands offer sleep trials that run at least 90 nights. These trials give you ample opportunity to test out a soft mattress and decide if it meets your needs. In most cases, full refunds are issued for returns during the trial period, and the brand covers associated shipping charges.
Standard mattress warranties cover premature wear and tear and other defects. Ten years is a typical warranty duration. If your mattress turns out to be defective, the manufacturer either repairs it or sends you a replacement. There may be extra costs associated with repairs and replacements, so be sure to read the fine print before reporting a defect.
How We Test: Your Comfort Is Our Science
Our industry-leading product testing team cares deeply about improving your sleep. Having a holistic understanding of a mattress’s role as part of a sleep system is paramount to our testing process. Since a bed’s comfort and feel depend largely on body weight and sleeping position, our testing team represents a wide range of body types, sleep positions, and comfort preferences.
In our Seattle-based Test Lab, we use an objective, hands-on process to evaluate mattresses across performance categories. The following are the key guidelines that inform our performance ratings. Our ultimate goal is to ensure you have all the information you need to make the best purchase decision for you.
Construction analysis: Our rating system is grounded in construction. Each mattress rating is derived at the intersection of quality, value, and versatility across a range of sleepers. We look at the bed’s price point, materials, firmness options, comfort and support systems, cooling technology, as well as brand reputation, and then we perform a detailed analysis that measures performance across six different categories to arrive at an overall score.
Quantitative product testing: During these hands-on lab tests, our team uses various tools and technology to evaluate a bed’s performance against motion isolation, pressure relief, temperature control, ease of movement, edge support, and potential for odor emissions. We use the outcomes from these tests to calculate a score for each category.
Field testing: Our field testers sleep on mattresses and other sleep products, like pillows, sheets, and mattress toppers, in their own bedrooms. After weeks of at-home testing, each field tester provides a detailed analysis of how the mattress performs, including what they like and dislike about the bed.
User feedback: Observations from mattress owners and users outside our team are invaluable to our research. We draw insight from surveys, sleep stories, and customer reviews to extract themes, fine-tune our ratings, and better understand how each product performs over time in a real-world setting.
How We Determine Our Overall Scores

To determine a mattress’s overall score, we assign weighted percentages to performance categories based on how important they are to the individual sleep experience. For instance, areas like pressure relief and temperature control tend to matter more to people than something like off-gassing, and because more people sleep on their side and back than on their stomach, we weigh those positions more heavily
Performance Categories
Motion Isolation
This criteria alludes to the amount of motion a mattress absorbs when a sleeper moves on the surface. We use two testers lying side by side to evaluate motion isolation, who each feel for transfer while the other person moves on the mattress.
Temperature Control
To determine how well a mattress regulates temperature, we perform temperature tests and look closely at its materials and construction. Many mattresses are designed with cooling components meant to reduce heat retention.
Pressure Relief
A bed with strong pressure relief excels at preventing pressure from building up in areas like the shoulders and hips. Beds with even contouring and weight distribution are top performers when it comes to pressure relief.
Off-Gassing
A mattress in a box may release unpleasant chemical odors for a short period after you’ve unboxed it. The initial smell may be strong but typically fades within 2 or 3 days.
Ease of Movement
This criteria reflects how easily a sleeper can move across a bed’s surface. Responsive surfaces made of latex typically perform better than foam surfaces, which can inhibit movement.
Edge Support
We perform sit tests along a bed’s perimeter to measure how well the edges push back against weight. Mattresses with strong edge support have minimal sagging when sleepers sit on or lie close to the perimeter.
Dive Deeper – Mattress Guides by Need
The best soft mattresses can benefit a variety of people, but if you’re still unsure about which mattress is right for you, check out our expert recommendations for specific types of sleepers.
Best Mattress by Specific Need
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