Best Soft Mattress

Mattresses that offer a plush, cloud-like feel are appealing to many sleepers. People who weigh less than 130 pounds often feel most comfortable on soft mattresses because they cradle and contour to the body. The same holds true for side sleepers because this position usually requires extra cushioning for the shoulders and hips to ensure even alignment and less pressure along the spine.

Our team brings years of experience and expertise to our hands-on mattress testing. We focused on mattresses with soft feels for the list below, but all of our top picks excel in certain areas that make them stand out from the competition. Performance criteria we took into account include durability, quality of design and materials, temperature control, and motion isolation. Since soft mattresses typically contain more layers than firm models – and thus cost more – pricing and value were also key considerations.

Best Soft Mattress Video

Watch the video below to get a more in-depth look at our top picks for Best Soft Mattress.

To learn more about each of our top picks and where to buy them, check out the detailed descriptions below. Further down, you’ll find our comprehensive buyer’s guide that covers the pros and cons of soft mattresses, average prices for these models, and people who benefit most from sleeping on a softer bed.

Product Details

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.

What It’s Made of

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.

The WinkBed is also available in medium firm and firm designs. 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.

Read our Full Softer WinkBed Review to learn more

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.

What It’s Made of

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.

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.

Read our Full Layla Mattress Review to learn more

Helix Sleep’s mattress lineup includes more than a dozen hybrids, and the Moonlight Luxe is one of the softest models in the bunch. A deep comfort system provides exceptionally close contouring, but the support core should provide enough reinforcement to keep your body on an even plane.

How It Performed

During our hands-on tests for the Moonlight Luxe, side and back sleepers under 130 pounds awarded the mattress its highest ratings. The foam layers contoured closely enough to cushion the spine and minimize pressure buildup, but the mattress didn’t sink excessively for these testers. Heavier testers on our team preferred other Helix Sleep models with firmer, more supportive designs.

The Moonlight Luxe outperformed firmer hybrids we’ve tested in a few key areas. Our testers did not notice much transfer of movement when lying side by side, indicating above-average motion transfer, while the zoned coils pushed back around the midsection to help them move across the surface with ease. Temperature control was another highlight. The coils generate enough airflow to keep the interior cool, and the moisture-wicking cover helped maintain a comfortable surface.

What It’s Made of

The Moonlight Luxe’s comfort system consists of three polyfoam layers, all of which deeply contour to cradle your spine and alleviate pressure in sensitive areas like the shoulders and hips. These layers are encased in a Euro-top that adds luxury to the design, and a breathable Tencel cover helps the surface stay cool.

Pocketed coils and high-density base foam make up the mattress’ support core. The coils are zoned to feel stronger beneath your midsection and gentler for lighter areas of your body. Thicker coils also line the perimeter to push back against compression when you get in and out of bed or sleep close to the edges of your mattress. At 14 inches, the Moonlight Luxe is a high-profile mattress and one of Helix Sleep’s thickest models.

Shipping is free of charge to customers in all 50 states, and each order includes two Helix Dream Pillows at no extra cost. The sleep trial runs for 100 nights, during which you may return the mattress for free if you are not satisfied. Those who keep their Moonlight Luxe receive a 15-year warranty against structural defects, and you can add an accident protection plan covering stains and other types of physical damage for a small surcharge.

Read our Full Helix Moonlight Luxe Review to learn more

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.

What It’s Made of

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.

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.

Read our Full Saatva Classic - Plush Soft Review to learn more

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.

What It’s Made of

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. Next is a transitional layer of proprietary VariFlex foam. This material is also meant to 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.

Each mattress carries a 10-year warranty and a 120-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.

The Sunset from Helix Sleep features a mixed-foam comfort system that contours very closely to the body. Our side sleepers particularly enjoyed the extra cushioning for their shoulders and hips, which are prone to pressure buildup.

How It Performed

Our team had differing opinions when we tested the Helix Sunset. Side sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds gave the mattress its most favorable ratings, but most of our back and stomach sleepers reported uncomfortable sinkage. If you primarily use the back or sleep position, check out one of Helix Sleep’s firmer hybrid models.

Because the Sunset is exceptionally soft, it outperformed other hybrids we’ve tested in some key performance areas. We detected little movement transfer during our motion isolation tests, and testers up to 230 pounds did not feel any pressure buildup. Our thermal body sensors also picked up minimal heat retention, which we attribute to the steady air circulation throughout the coil system.

What It’s Made of

The Sunset is cushioned with a top layer of memory foam that contours to the body to relieve pressure. This is followed by a polyfoam transitional layer that acts as a buffer between your body and the coils. The support core contains pocketed coils that keep your body on an even plane. The coils rest on a polyfoam base layer for stability, and a polyester cover encases the mattress.

The Sunset is competitively priced for a luxury hybrid, and shipping is free to all 50 states. Each order includes two Helix pillows at no extra cost. The mattress comes with a 100-night trial, and you’ll receive a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty if you decide to keep it after the trial period ends.

Read our Full Helix Sunset Review to learn more

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 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 Hybrid’s firmness levels. The Luxury Plush 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 Luxury Plush Elite 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 transitional and support layers effectively reduce sinkage along the perimeter, as well, so you should have an easy time getting on and off the mattress.

What It’s Made of

The Elite Hybrid’s topmost layer is composed of memory foam infused with copper, which has natural cooling properties. Convoluted polyfoam makes up the transitional layer. This component is divided into five firmness zones to provide extra reinforcement for heavier areas of your body and a gentler feel elsewhere. The convoluted shape allows air to circulate near the mattress’ surface.

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.

The Elite 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 120-night sleep trial. Bear’s standard mattress warranty covers structural defects for as long as you retain ownership. You may also purchase accident protection plans covering stains and other types of physical damage for 3, 5, or 10 years.

The Nolah Evolution 15 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 15 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 15’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.

What It’s Made of

The Evolution 15’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.

The Evolution comes in six standard sizes, as well as a split king for adjustable beds. Nolah offers free ground shipping anywhere in the contiguous U.S. The Evolution 15 comes with a 120-night sleep trial, but you can opt out of the trial period and decrease the cost of your purchase by as much as $150. 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.

The Nest Bedding Sparrow – Plush is a hybrid mattress with an exceptionally soft surface that caters to sleepers who enjoy deep contouring. If you share the bed with a co-sleeper who prefers a softer or firmer surface than you do, the Sparrow allows you to customize firmness levels on each side for king and California king models.

How It Performed

The Plush option of the Sparrow has a soft feel that corresponds to 3 on our 10-point firmness scale. Our testers found this surface closely cradled the body and excelled at relieving pressure buildup. We also found the surface was able to absorb a lot of motion, so our testers barely felt each other’s movements when sharing the bed. The bed also comes in two firmer feels. If you purchase a king or California king, you have the option to choose a firmer feel for the other half of the bed.

The Sparrow – Plush earned the highest marks from side sleepers under 130 pounds because it offered just the right amount of cushioning for their shoulders and hips while still feeling supportive enough for the lower back. Most of our back and stomach sleepers found they needed firmer support to maintain healthy sleep posture.

What It’s Made of

The Sparrow – Plush begins with a soft cover quilted with an inch of gel-infused memory foam. The cover is infused with phase change material to help minimize heat buildup on the surface. Next is a thick layer of polyfoam designed to mimic the close contouring of memory foam, but with more resilience. Beneath is a thin layer of higher density foam, followed by a thick layer of pocketed coils with reinforcement along the edges.

Nest Bedding offers a 365-night sleep trial for you to try out the mattress at home. The bed is further backed by a lifetime warranty. Shipping is free to addresses in the contiguous U.S.

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. The perimeter felt stable to our testers, and moving across the surface was not uncomfortable for those weighing 230 pounds or less.

What It’s Made of

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.

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 120-night trial with your order and a 10-year warranty if you decide to keep the mattress.

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Other Mattress Guides

If you’re not sure where to start looking for a new bed, you can narrow down your search by reviewing our recommendations by mattress feel.

Who is a Soft Mattress Best for?

Soft mattresses usually appeal most to side sleepers and those who weigh under 130 pounds. Lightweight sleepers exert less force on a mattress than heavier sleepers, which means firmer mattresses often don’t compress enough to provide lightweight sleepers with cradling and pressure relief. When a mattress is too firm, side sleepers are particularly prone to pressure buildup in their hips and shoulders. A soft mattress will allow a side sleeper’s hips and shoulders to sink in more, promoting better spinal alignment.

Back and stomach sleepers below 130 pounds who like a plusher surface may also enjoy a softer mattress. However, since back and stomach sleepers often prefer a slightly firmer feel, a soft mattress may not be as important for these sleepers. Back and stomach sleepers frequently need extra support to prevent their midsections from sinking in too deeply. The right soft mattress should be able to support your body and without sacrificing plushness.

Sleepers who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds who prefer a plush feel may also enjoy soft mattresses. This is especially true of side sleepers, who may experience sharp pressure points on an overly firm mattress. Some side sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds may also appreciate the hug of a soft mattress, though sleepers in higher weight groups may experience excessive sinking in the hips and shoulders, which could place a strain on the spine.

Weight	Side Sleepers	Back Sleepers	Stomach Sleepers
Less than 130 Pounds	Soft – Medium	Medium Soft – Medium Firm	Medium Soft – Medium Firm
130 to 230 Pounds	Medium Soft – Medium Firm	Medium – Firm	Medium Firm – Firm
More than 230 Pounds	Medium – Medium Firm	Medium Firm – Firm	Medium Firm – Firm

Sleeping Position Video

In the video below, we discuss how your sleeping positions affects your mattress firmness needs for proper spinal alignment and pressure relief.

Sleeping Position

Sleep position is one of the key factors that affects how you interact with a mattress. The position you use influences which parts of the body press against the mattress. It can also impact the amount of pressure placed on your spine.

Soft mattresses are usually most compatible with side sleeping. When you sleep on your side, the widest parts of your body (their hips and shoulders) put the most pressure on the mattress. For pressure point relief, a mattress must have sufficient cushioning in these regions. To promote proper spinal alignment, the mattress must also have enough support to prevent your hips and shoulders from sinking in too deeply.

Soft mattresses are not usually as conducive to back and stomach sleeping. Back and stomach sleepers often require more support to prevent their midsections from sinking too far into the mattress. Some soft mattresses may give sufficient support for these sleep positions, especially if they contain zoned layers. Many back and stomach sleepers favor a slightly firmer feel.

Body Type

While individuals from any weight group may enjoy a soft mattress, sleepers who weigh under 130 pounds usually gravitate to this feel more than other weight groups.

We’ve found that sleepers in this weight range put less pressure on the surface of a mattress. Firmer mattresses may not have enough give to allow lightweight sleepers to sink in, which can interfere with spinal alignment and cause you to feel more severe pressure points. Softer mattresses generally provide more conforming for lightweight sleepers, relieving pressure points and encouraging better spinal alignment across all sleep positions.

How to Shop for a Soft Mattress Online

Shopping for a mattress online is convenient because you can compare multiple models quickly and easily. However, without trying the mattress in person, you don’t always know how to anticipate what the mattress will feel like. Paying attention to the firmness rating can give you a clearer idea of how a mattress might feel. Reading customer reviews will also give extra insight.

Many direct-to-consumer mattress companies offer sleep trials during which customers can return their mattress for a refund of the purchase price. Before purchasing a mattress online, we encourage you to take a company’s trial period and return policies into account.

With so many mattresses available online, deciding where to shop may be the first big obstacle in your mattress-buying process. Deciding which mattress features you prioritize can help narrow your options. From there, reading mattress reviews can further refine your search.

Some mattresses will offer additional options like different heights and firmness levels, White Glove delivery, or optional add-ons. After you add your selection to your cart and proceed to checkout, you will generally be asked to input your contact and shipping information and pay via credit card.

How to Save Money on an Online Mattress

Many mattresses run promotions throughout the year, so you might find discounts or offers for a free item with your mattress purchase at any time. However, some of the best deals usually fall on holiday weekends around Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Black Friday.

To save additional money shopping for a mattress online, you might check for special offers through your credit card or a cash back program like Rakuten.

Important Mattress Considerations

Some companies may use confusing words that distract you from more important considerations. For instance, some companies may describe a mattress as “more comfortable” or “the most comfortable.” However, since comfort is subjective, this may not be true for everyone. Similarly, shoppers may be drawn to proprietary materials with appealing names. Some of these materials are unique, but their presence doesn’t mean one mattress is inherently superior to another.

Focusing on the following considerations can give shoppers a clearer idea of how a mattress may affect their sleep experience.

• Mattress Type and Materials: Mattresses use different materials that significantly affect their feel and performance. Some materials naturally lend well to a soft mattress, but construction matters, so even materials that are frequently firmer (like Dunlop latex) can be used to craft a soft mattress. Materials also contribute to performance across other categories including motion isolation, pressure relief, edge support, and cooling properties.
• Price: Mattress prices run the gamut, ranging from just a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Budget-friendly options can put more money in your pocket for other sleep accessories like mattress toppers and pillows. However, some high-end mattresses may last longer. Balancing a mattress’s price-point with its benefits can give you a clearer idea of whether it is a good value for your money.
• Motion Isolation: Motion transfer occurs when movements on one part of the bed spread across the surface of the mattress. A mattress that absorbs motion may prevent a sleeper from feeling the movement when their partner changes position during the night.
• Pressure Relief: Pressure points frequently occur where your body makes contact with the mattress. Mattresses with more contouring often relieve these pressure points by cradling your body for even support and cushioning.
• Edge Support: Edge support refers to the sturdiness of a mattress’s perimeter. When you sleep near the edge of a mattress, the compression may make it feel like they could accidentally roll out of bed. You may also have a harder time getting into or out of a mattress with weak edges since sitting on the edge may not feel secure. A sturdy, reinforced edge may allow sleepers to use the mattress surface more fully.
• Cooling Properties: Some mattresses tend to trap heat from your body, while others wick it away. Sleepers who tend to sleep hot may prioritize mattresses with cooling features and extra airflow to promote a cooler night’s sleep.

Why Do People Buy New Mattresses?

Shoppers typically buy new mattresses to replace beds that are sagging, worn, and no longer comfortable. Sleepers also purchase new beds if their old mattress is not a good match for their sleep needs, for instance buying a soft mattress to replace a bed that feels too firm. To identify some of the top reasons people buy new beds, we polled more than 100,000 Sleep Foundation subscribers. Find out our results below.

Types of Soft Mattresses

Below, we’ll detail the most common mattress types. All mattress types are available in soft designs, but the materials and build can affect the overall sleep experience. While some features and characteristics tend to be consistent between different models within one type of category, individual models vary quite a bit due to design, materials, and build.

Hybrid

Definition: Hybrid mattresses combine a thick comfort system with a coil support core. The composition of the comfort system varies between models, but many hybrids contain layers of cotton, wool, polyfoam, memory foam, latex, microcoils, and/or a combination of several different materials.
Highlight: Balanced Benefits. Hybrid models often combine the best traits of innerspring mattresses and latex or foam mattresses. The coil layer usually gives hybrids more bounce, breathability, and edge support than most all-foam or all-latex models, while the substantial comfort layers provide more contouring, motion isolation, and pressure relief than most innerspring models.

Innerspring

Definition: Innerspring mattresses are generally considered more traditional than foam, latex, or hybrid models. An innerspring mattress’s most notable component is its metal coils. Some innerspring mattresses may also have a thin layer of cotton or foam for extra softness, but the coil layer is the most significant factor impacting the sleep experience.
Highlight: Affordable. Innerspring mattresses are often lower-priced than other mattress types, so they may appeal to shoppers on a budget.

Latex

Definition: All-latex mattresses can be constructed of synthetic latex, natural latex, or a blend of the two. There are two main types of natural latex: Dunlop latex and Talalay latex. The different processes used to craft these types of latex lead to differences in their feel and performance. Dunlop is usually denser and more durable, while Talalay tends to be bouncier and more breathable.
Highlight: Contouring Without Sinkage. Latex contours gently to relieve pressure points. Rather than compressing exclusively under your weight, the compression is spread out over a wider surface area, which may make you feel like you’re are floating on top of the mattress rather than sinking into the mattress.

Airbed

Definition: Airbeds contain air chambers that can be filled or emptied to adjust the firmness of the bed. Modern airbeds often include remotes or apps to adjust the bed easily, while others may use a hand crank. Materials vary between models, but they may include thin comfort layers of memory foam, polyfoam, latex, cotton, and/or polyester. The support cores frequently use PVC, rubber, and/or polyurethane.
Highlight: Customizable Firmness. Airbeds are easy to adjust, allowing sleepers to change the feel based on their preference, even if that varies between nights. However, since most airbeds have a thin comfort layer, it might not be possible to achieve the plush feel some sleepers look for from a soft mattress.

Foam

Definition: All-foam mattresses are generally crafted from multiple layers of foam, which may include memory foam, polyfoam, or a combination of the two. Latex may also be included in some all-foam models.
Highlight: Close Conforming. Memory foam and polyfoam compress directly under a sleeper’s weight rather than spreading the compression across a wider area. Because of this, most soft all-foam models conform closely to the sleeper’s body, creating a hugging sensation. This can help relieve pressure points.

Accessories to Complement Your Soft Mattress

The right sleep accessories can complement your soft mattress to create a plush and appealing sleep surface. You can use these accessories to adjust the feel of your existing mattress or fine-tune the feel of a new mattress.

Pillows

Since soft mattresses tend to allow you to sink in more deeply than you would on a firmer mattress, the best pillow may be a softer, lower-loft pillow. A pillow that is too firm or too lofty may lift your head excessively and put more pressure on the neck.

Side sleepers may benefit from a medium-loft pillow. Due to shoulder width, a side sleeper’s head usually needs more support to keep the spine properly aligned. Ideally, side sleepers should aim to find a pillow that fills the gap between their neck and the mattress without lifting the head or neck up too much.

Back sleepers may prefer a pillow on the lower end of the medium range. The goal is still to fill the gap between the neck and mattress, but this gap is not as large with back sleepers, so they usually do not need as lofty of a pillow as side sleepers.

Stomach sleepers usually prefer the thinnest pillows or no pillow at all to avoid placing added pressure on the neck.

Mattress Toppers

A mattress topper can be an affordable way to adjust the feel of your current mattress. Mattress toppers generally aren’t a long-term solution to an uncomfortable mattress, and they do not provide the same benefits as a new mattress. However, toppers can tweak the feel of the mattress and provide some extra plushness.

If your existing mattress is too firm, a thicker topper will likely provide a more noticeable change than a thinner topper. However, sleepers looking for a subtler variation may prefer a thinner topper.

Frequently Asked Questions

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