Mattress Nerd consulted Dr. Tom Ingegno to ensure that this article met our editorial standards
With thousands of soft mattresses available today, choosing the one that’s perfect for you can present a challenge. There are many questions to be asked. Will it be soft enough? Will it be too soft? Will it sag excessively? Which mattress firmness level is right for me? Can it support my body weight and have a plush feel at the same time? What’s best for my sleeping position? In this guide, we’re sharing our top picks for the best soft & plush mattresses, why we love them, and who they are best for!
Disclosure: By clicking on the product links in this article, Mattress Nerd may receive a commission fee at no cost to you, the reader. Read full disclosure statement.
At Mattress Nerd, our team of certified sleep science coaches considers a wide variety of factors when grading products. In the case of this list, we only considered mattresses that had a firmness level of 5.5/10 (medium-soft) or below. Once we determined if they were soft enough to qualify, we measured qualities such as pressure relief, edge support, and durability to ensure that the mattresses provided plenty of support despite their cloud-like feel.
Some of the mattresses mentioned in this article come in multiple firmness options. In those cases, we are speaking specifically about the softest option available. Check out our full testing process to learn more.
The Saatva Classic is an innerspring mattress delivered to your home by delivery professionals. It's made with luxury materials like organic cotton, a plush pillow top, and durable coils. Choose from Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm options.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Saatva Classic is an innerspring mattress delivered to your home by delivery professionals. It's made with luxury materials like organic cotton, a plush pillow top, and durable coils. Choose from Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm options.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Saatva Classic is an innerspring mattress delivered to your home by delivery professionals. It's made with luxury materials like organic cotton, a plush pillow top, and durable coils. Choose from Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm options.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.
Best Luxury Mattress
Saatva Mattress
Read Saatva Mattress Review
Material
Innerspring
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Best Luxury Mattress
Saatva Mattress
Read Saatva Mattress Review
Material
Innerspring
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Best Luxury Mattress
Saatva Mattress
Read Saatva Mattress Review
Material
Innerspring
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
The concepts of soft and luxurious tend to go hand in hand, but we think it’s worth distinguishing them. Sure, all of the mattresses on this list are soft, and all of them are at least a little bit luxurious. But if we’re talking about the most luxurious soft mattress, we have to be talking about the plush version of the Saatva Classic.
Awarded the title of one of our top luxury mattresses, the Saatva Classic has a lot going for it. In fact, you can usually find it appearing on many more of our “Best Mattresses” lists! Clearly, Mattress Nerd has a lot of good things to say about the Saatva Classic. If you’re after high-quality sleep on a luxurious mattress, we think the Plush Soft version of the Saatva Classic can’t be beat.
Read our full Saatva Classic Mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Saatva Classic mattress, check out our list of the best luxury mattresses for more great options.
The Helix Sunset features a plush memory foam layer with a soft, contouring feel that's especially good for side sleepers. Memory foam purists will love its classic "sinking" effect that cradles the body as if you're sleeping "in" the mattress.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Helix Sunset features a plush memory foam layer with a soft, contouring feel that's especially good for side sleepers. Memory foam purists will love its classic "sinking" effect that cradles the body as if you're sleeping "in" the mattress.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Helix Sunset features a plush memory foam layer with a soft, contouring feel that's especially good for side sleepers. Memory foam purists will love its classic "sinking" effect that cradles the body as if you're sleeping "in" the mattress.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.
Best for Smaller People
Helix Sunset Mattress
Read Helix Sunset Mattress Review
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Best for Smaller People
Helix Sunset Mattress
Read Helix Sunset Mattress Review
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Best for Smaller People
Helix Sunset Mattress
Read Helix Sunset Mattress Review
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
There is a common misconception that soft mattresses lack adequate support. That you can not both sink deeply into a cloud-like bed and also have an aligned spine and pressure relief. Well, Helix set out on a mission to prove that you really can have it all, and with the Sunset, they delivered. This mattress does not take away anything sleepers love about a soft mattress and also adds zoned support technology, layers engineered specifically to relieve pressure and cooling features throughout. If you love an extra soft bed but are wondering if it is really a good long-term choice for you, we love the Helix Sunset as an option that keeps you comfortable, but also safe.
See our full Helix Sunset mattress review or Helix mattress reviews for more info.
The GravityLux is a pressure-relieving, memory foam mattress that comes in three firmness options. It has a zoned transitional layer to provide enhanced support to the lower back and hips. The gel-infused quilted foam also sleeps cool.
The GravityLux is a pressure-relieving, memory foam mattress that comes in three firmness options. It has a zoned transitional layer to provide enhanced support to the lower back and hips. The gel-infused quilted foam also sleeps cool.
The GravityLux is a pressure-relieving, memory foam mattress that comes in three firmness options. It has a zoned transitional layer to provide enhanced support to the lower back and hips. The gel-infused quilted foam also sleeps cool.
Best Medium-Soft Mattress
WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress
Read WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress Review
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Best Medium-Soft Mattress
WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress
Read WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress Review
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Best Medium-Soft Mattress
WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress
Read WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress Review
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
The WinkBeds GravityLux is a memory foam mattress with cooling layers. The top layer is made with aerated, open-cell foam, which makes the bed very soft and draws heat away from the body.
People who love softer mattresses often face a challenge when it comes to finding a mattress that sleeps cool, considering most plush mattresses are either all-foam or contain memory foam, which tends to sleep warmer. Thought the GravityLux is also a foam mattress, the layers focus on keeping you cool. Along with the open-cell foam layer, the mattress cover is made with tencel and is infused with gel. As with all WinkBeds products, it comes with free shipping, a lifetime warranty, and a 120-night risk-free trial.
Read our full GravityLux mattress review or WinkBeds mattress reviews to learn more!
The Signature Hybrid mattress comes in three firmness options and is made with a slew of proprietary materials. Brooklyn Bedding know their mattresses.
The Signature Hybrid mattress comes in three firmness options and is made with a slew of proprietary materials. Brooklyn Bedding know their mattresses.
The Signature Hybrid mattress comes in three firmness options and is made with a slew of proprietary materials. Brooklyn Bedding know their mattresses.
Best Mattress for Combo Sleepers
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Mattress
Read Brooklyn Bedding Signature Mattress Review
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Best Mattress for Combo Sleepers
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Mattress
Read Brooklyn Bedding Signature Mattress Review
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Best Mattress for Combo Sleepers
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Mattress
Read Brooklyn Bedding Signature Mattress Review
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
The Brooklyn Signature is an ideal mattress for combination sleepers who want to avoid feeling “stuck” in their bed. Not only are the comfort and support foams highly responsive, but the pocketed coils at the base of the mattress are individually wrapped, adjusting to the slightest movements without causing motion to transfer across the mattress surface.
Additionally, the Signature is offered in three firmness levels—soft, medium, and firm—so you can choose the feel that best aligns with your primary sleeping positions (clearly we’re partial to the soft version). And, since it’s a hybrid mattress, you won’t have to worry about overheating from moving around while you sleep.
Read our full Brooklyn Signature mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Brooklyn Signature mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses for combo sleepers for more great options.
The DreamCloud Premier Rest is a luxury hybrid mattress that aims to be comfortable but supportive. It features a quilted pillow top and has great motion isolation, responsiveness, and durability.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The DreamCloud Premier Rest is a luxury hybrid mattress that aims to be comfortable but supportive. It features a quilted pillow top and has great motion isolation, responsiveness, and durability.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The DreamCloud Premier Rest is a luxury hybrid mattress that aims to be comfortable but supportive. It features a quilted pillow top and has great motion isolation, responsiveness, and durability.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.
Best Mattress for Couples
DreamCloud Premier Rest
Read DreamCloud Premier Rest Review
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 4.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Best Mattress for Couples
DreamCloud Premier Rest
Read DreamCloud Premier Rest Review
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 4.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Best Mattress for Couples
DreamCloud Premier Rest
Read DreamCloud Premier Rest Review
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Soft: 4.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Financing Options
The DreamCloud Premier Rest incorporates plush comfort foams and supportive coils in its construction. In addition to 4.5” of foam on top of the mattress, the Premier Rest has an extra 1” pillow top covered in Cashmere (yes, Cashmere). We gave it a 4.5/10 rating on the 1–10 firmness scale, which means it’s on the softer side.
Couples will fare well on the DreamCloud Premier Rest because it pairs luxurious comfort layers with 8.5” of durable, buoyant steel coils. This support layer keeps the weight of two sleepers lifted over years of regular use. Plus, it allows for plenty of air circulation under the mattress, which is important when sharing your bed. To add to the top-tier experience, the Premier Rest mattress comes with a 365-night trial period and Lifetime warranty.
Read our full DreamCloud Premier Rest mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Purple Hybrid mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses for couples for more great options.
The original Layla memory foam mattress features two sides with different firmness options: one soft and one firm. Its copper-infused foam helps to cool the mattress and increase recovery times.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The original Layla memory foam mattress features two sides with different firmness options: one soft and one firm. Its copper-infused foam helps to cool the mattress and increase recovery times.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The original Layla memory foam mattress features two sides with different firmness options: one soft and one firm. Its copper-infused foam helps to cool the mattress and increase recovery times.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.
Best King-Size Mattress
Layla Mattress
Read Layla Mattress Review
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Best King-Size Mattress
Layla Mattress
Read Layla Mattress Review
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Best King-Size Mattress
Layla Mattress
Read Layla Mattress Review
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Layla is a flippable mattress made with copper-infused memory foam. The mattress is double-sided, which allows sleepers to have two options within the same mattress. One side of the Layla is medium-soft, which gives sleepers some pressure-relieving, and the other side is firm which is better for support.
The cover of the mattress will keep you cool if you tend to heat up at night, no matter which side you choose. If you are looking for a soft mattress, are a side sleeper and are light to average weight, the medium-soft side of the Layla will be good for you. If you are a heavier sleeper, the firm side of the mattress may still provide enough softness for your liking. The copper also kills bacteria naturally, helping to extend Layla’s lifespan.
Read our full Layla Mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Layla mattress, check out our list of the best king-size mattresses for more great options.
The Nolah Signature is a medium-firm all-foam mattress. It's an upgraded version of the original Nolah, and incorporates 20 percent more foam and an organic cotton cover.
The Nolah Signature is a medium-firm all-foam mattress. It's an upgraded version of the original Nolah, and incorporates 20 percent more foam and an organic cotton cover.
The Nolah Signature is a medium-firm all-foam mattress. It's an upgraded version of the original Nolah, and incorporates 20 percent more foam and an organic cotton cover.
Best Memory Foam Mattress
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
Read Nolah Signature 12" Mattress Review
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Best Memory Foam Mattress
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
Read Nolah Signature 12" Mattress Review
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Best Memory Foam Mattress
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
Read Nolah Signature 12" Mattress Review
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
The Nolah Signature is a memory foam mattress with a medium-soft feel (5/10). The Nolah’s foam construction can be thanked for its wonderful pressure relief and motion isolation, qualities that are important if you suffer from hip and shoulder pain or sleep with a partner, respectively.
The Nolah Signature costs $1,599 for a Queen, which may seem a bit steep to you. However, the high-quality materials, thoughtful construction, and lifetime warranty certainly justify the cost. If you’re in the market for a soft memory foam mattress that does a great job of relieving pressure, then the Nolah Signature may be the mattress for you.
See our full Nolah Signature mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Nectar mattress, check out our list of the best memory foam mattresses for more great options.
The Leesa mattress adapts to all sleep positions and most body types. With its cooling foam and additional layers that both hug and support you, it's no wonder customers love sleeping on their Leesa.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Financing options are available for this mattress.
The Leesa mattress adapts to all sleep positions and most body types. With its cooling foam and additional layers that both hug and support you, it's no wonder customers love sleeping on their Leesa.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Financing options are available for this mattress.
The Leesa mattress adapts to all sleep positions and most body types. With its cooling foam and additional layers that both hug and support you, it's no wonder customers love sleeping on their Leesa.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Technically, the Leesa Original mattress has more of a medium firmness level than a soft one, but we included it in our best soft mattresses roundup because it offers an ideal combo of pressure relief and support for back sleepers. Generally, we recommend soft mattresses to side sleepers, but back sleepers need a blend of softness for comfort and support for spinal alignment.
Enter: the Leesa Original. This mattress has a balanced feel that’s cushioning enough to provide pressure relief to your curves, while also being supportive enough to keep back sleepers’ spines aligned.
Check out our Leesa Original Mattress Review to learn more!
The Nectar Premier Copper is a luxury foam mattress infused with special cooling materials such as gel, copper, and Phase Change Material. This mattress is a great option for back sleepers who love all-foam beds.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Financing options are available for this mattress.
The Nectar Premier Copper is a luxury foam mattress infused with special cooling materials such as gel, copper, and Phase Change Material. This mattress is a great option for back sleepers who love all-foam beds.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Financing options are available for this mattress.
The Nectar Premier Copper is a luxury foam mattress infused with special cooling materials such as gel, copper, and Phase Change Material. This mattress is a great option for back sleepers who love all-foam beds.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar is known for making pressure-relieving memory foam mattresses, and the Nectar Premier Copper is the softest of the bunch. It has a doughy feel that closely contours to the curves of your body.
The cover is infused with cooling copper, and the top layer of memory foam is mixed with gel and copper, which both regulate temperature. Extra cooling technologies and lots of cushioning are what make this a luxury mattress. It costs more than the other Nectar mattresses, but it’s worthwhile for those looking for a high-end memory foam mattress other than a Tempur-Pedic.
Check out our Nectar Premier Copper Mattress Review to learn more!
Striking the perfect balance between the contour of memory foam and the bounce of pocket-coils, the Casper Hybrid offers the best of both worlds when it comes to superior comfort and support.
Striking the perfect balance between the contour of memory foam and the bounce of pocket-coils, the Casper Hybrid offers the best of both worlds when it comes to superior comfort and support.
Striking the perfect balance between the contour of memory foam and the bounce of pocket-coils, the Casper Hybrid offers the best of both worlds when it comes to superior comfort and support.
Best Mattress for Back Pain
Casper Hybrid Mattress
Read Casper Hybrid Mattress Review
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-soft: 5.5/10
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Best Mattress for Back Pain
Casper Hybrid Mattress
Read Casper Hybrid Mattress Review
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Firmness
Medium-soft: 5.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Best Mattress for Back Pain
Casper Hybrid Mattress
Read Casper Hybrid Mattress Review
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-soft: 5.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
With the Casper Hybrid, the company essentially took the original all-foam Casper mattress and added pocketed coils. The Casper is an extremely comfortable bed, and the Casper Hybrid maintains that same feel and sensation in a hybrid construction with an airy, latex-like, open-cell top layer, two layers of memory foam, and pocketed coils.
The Casper Hybrid has a generally soft, airy feel and might be one of the most accommodating beds on the market. It provides support and bounce, as most innerspring mattresses do, but the foam layers give it a really nice, soft feel that’s hard not to like. The airflow is great in this mattress as well, as both the pocketed coils and open-cell top layer encourage cooling. While almost the same firmness as the original Casper, it falls slightly on the softer side. Casper offers free shipping, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty.
Read our full Casper Hybrid mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Casper Hybrid mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses for back pain for more great options.
Mattress softness is subjective, but only to a point. It is true that what feels soft to you may feel firm to somebody else, but most mattress companies, as well as we here at Mattress Nerd, grade mattress firmness on a scale of 1 to 10. If a mattress falls under a 5/10 on that scale, then it is considered soft. If you think you’re someone who would prefer a soft mattress, take a look below at some factors to consider before you make any final decisions.
Related: Soft vs. Firm Mattresses
Firmness and support are two of the most important aspects to consider when mattress shopping, but they can be easily confused. While interrelated, they should be thought of separately. Most people assume that a mattress must be firm to provide support, but it’s possible to find a supportive mattress that meets your pressure relief needs while still feeling soft to the touch.
Firmness refers to the feel of a mattress with regard to comfort. While every individual has a subjective definition of what soft and firm mean, the industry uses a scale of 1 to 10 in an attempt to objectify this quality, with one being extremely soft and 10 being extremely firm. To put it simply, firmness is the feeling you get when you first lie on the mattress.
Related: Best Firm Mattresses
Support refers to how well a mattress will support spinal alignment and is not a subjective quality. In other words, when you’re lying in your preferred sleeping position, is your spine straight? Mattresses that feel hard to the touch can offer just as much pressure point relief and spinal support as a mattress that feels soft to the touch.
If you are someone who suffers from back pain, sinking into a soft mattress may sound like a dream to you. However, soft beds can actually cause your spine to rest out of alignment, especially for stomach and back sleepers. If you’re lightweight or primarily a side sleeper, this may not be an issue for you. If you do sleep on your back and are heavier than average, check out our best mattresses for back sleepers list.
If you sleep with a partner, pet, or child, you know that motion isolation is one of the most important factors when mattress shopping. Soft mattresses vary in their ability to suit couples but typically do well. If a mattress is too soft however, you may find yourself feeling stuck, making moving around more difficult, disturbing your partner on the other side of the bed.
Related: Best Mattresses for Couples
Soft mattresses provide a plush, sinking feeling that many people find very comforting, but this can also result in a lack of edge support.
Edge support measures the perimeter of a bed’s ability to remain stable under your weight. This is an important quality if you like to sit on the edge of your bed, or spread out and take up a lot of surface area as you sleep.
Though softer mattresses are prone to sinkage at the edges, a lot of companies specifically address this issue by adding sturdy blocks of foam around the interior perimeter of the bed. When shopping for your soft mattress, keep an eye out for this in mattress construction descriptions.
If you are a notably restless sleeper who switches positions frequently, then responsiveness is a key factor for you. High responsiveness is a quality that is usually associated with firmer mattresses. Basically, it is what allows you to switch positions easily and sink into new ones quickly.
Since soft mattresses do allow for sinkage, getting cozy in a new position usually isn’t a problem, but switching out of it may be slightly more difficult than it would be on a different firmness.
What is a foam mattress? They are seen as some of the most popular soft mattresses. Foam mattresses are constructed of memory foam, polyurethane foam, or sometimes a mixture of both.
Are memory foam mattresses soft? A traditional foam bed will give sleepers a more “sinking” feeling, often associated with a soft feeling. They are not necessarily plush, but usually have very responsive profiles and most often range from soft to medium-firm.
Related: Best Memory Foam Mattresses
What is a Latex Mattress? Latex is a rubbery substance that is combined with foam to create a bouncy, supportive surface on a mattress. They are popular for using “all-natural” materials.
Are latex mattresses soft? Latex beds are typically the least likely to be thought of as “soft” or “plush.” If you are looking for a soft mattress, opt for Talalay latex over Dunlop, as Dunlop is much denser and Talalay has a softer feel. The softness of a latex mattress will usually depend on the top comfort layer.
Related: Best Latex Mattresses
What are Innerspings? Innerspring mattresses have coils at the base of the bed that gives a mattress that traditional bounce so many of us are familiar with. These mattresses often have better edge support, making them an excellent choice for couples.
Are innerspring mattresses soft? Similarly to latex mattresses, an Innerspring bed is not the first thing most people think of when looking for a soft mattress. Many mattress companies are adding thick, comfort layers to give these traditionally more firm and supportive beds a softer, plush feeling.
Related: Best Innerspring Mattresses
What is a Hybrid Mattress? A hybrid mattress combines the support and bounce of coils with the comfort and contouring of memory foam. This makes them more desirable for people with aches and pains who like a close contour, but need increased support to keep their spines aligned.
Are hybrid mattresses soft? They can be! Hybrid mattresses have a comfort layer on top of their coil base. Depending on how thick that comfort layer is, and what it is made of will dictate how firm, or soft, they are.
Related: Best Hybrid Mattresses
It depends on several factors, the most important of which is the construction of the mattress. Soft mattresses are usually made with one or several foam layers, which is known to trap heat more than a type of mattress made exclusively with, say, natural latex or innersprings.
That is not to say, however, that a soft mattress cannot be cool. Many companies incorporate high-quality gel memory foam into their mattresses, which helps to disperse body heat rather than store it. If you’re a hot sleeper who loves a soft mattress, make sure you keep an eye out for this material.
There are also ways to enhance the cooling abilities of your new mattress. Consider purchasing cooling sheets, or even one of our best cooling mattress toppers. The addition of these sleep accessories can make a world of difference when it comes to temperature regulation.
Related: Best Cooling Mattresses
Shoppers often see the words “soft” or “comfortable” and allow this advertising to heavily influence their choice. After all, phrases like “sleeping on a cloud” are often associated with deep REM sleep, which is necessary in getting the amount of sleep that you need. However, many buyers find that soft mattresses are actually too soft, failing to provide the support they need. Here’s who should sleep on a soft mattress:
Side Sleepers
This sleeping position creates pressure points at the hips and shoulders, and a soft mattress will alleviate pain in these areas with contour. Aim for a firmness level in the 4 to 5 range. A soft bed can also help alleviate numbness and tingling inside sleepers’ arms, which can get tucked beneath the body in this sleeping position. Our best mattresses for side sleepers can provide some more information on this topic.
Lightweight Sleepers
When it comes to lightweight sleepers, it’s helpful to think of taking the firmness scale needs of an average sleeper and knocking them down a few levels. People with a lower body weight won’t sink into a firm mattress, so soft mattresses can provide the comfort and pressure relief they desire. We recommend mattress firmnesses of 1 to 5 for lightweight sleepers.
Couples
If you or your sleep partner tosses and turners throughout the night, then one of you has likely experienced the frustration that comes with being woken up by someone else’s movements. Of all the firmness options, soft mattresses are apt to absorb movements rather than allowing them to spread across the surface—making for a sounder night sleep for you and your partner.
Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleepers represent the smallest percentage of sleepers in the country, and they require a rather unique set-up in order to achieve the healthiest sleep. In order to keep their hips from sinking too much and throwing their spines out of alignment, stomach sleepers need a sturdy, firm mattress—typically made with a layer of coils or a base layer of high-density support foam.
If you sleep on your stomach, we recommend something firmer than the soft mattresses included on this list. Take a look at our best mattresses for stomach sleepers to see some of our favorites.
Big & Tall Sleepers
The opposite of lightweight sleepers, heavyweight, and naturally larger-bodied individuals may feel swallowed and unsupported by a mattress that’s too soft. We recommend knocking up the firmness scale for this body type, with better firmnesses found in the 7 to 10 range. The larger you are, the thicker and more firm your mattress will need to be in order to provide deep compression support.
Related: Best Mattresses for Heavy People
Individuals with Lower Back Pain
On a very soft mattress, the spine can become misaligned and cause parts of the body, especially the low back and neck, to sink down. This is why we generally don’t recommend mattresses on the very soft side of the firmness scale to individuals struggling with low back pain. Medium-firm or firm mattresses will better suit these sleepers, as you can see in our best mattresses for back pain roundup.
Typically, if you are shopping specifically for a soft mattress you may not need a mattress topper. However, a topper could be useful if you like a softer mattress but need a firmer base for spinal support. You can find great mattress toppers that are available as pillow-top additions, filled with down feathers, constructed with memory foam, and various other versions.
If you are looking for a lofty, fluffy pillow to compliment your new soft mattress you may want to reconsider. Since you will already be deeper into your mattress, you will likely want a lower soft, soft pillow. Avoid anything too firm or overly fluffy.
Related: Best Pillows
They’re soft, comfortable, and luxurious to the touch, which makes you look forward to curling up in bed every evening. When made with high-quality materials, they provide an almost hotel-like feel, and what’s not to love about that?
Like we’ve mentioned, soft mattresses are helpful for aligning the spine of side sleepers, especially average and lightweight individuals. The give of the top layers in these mattresses allows the shoulders and hips adequate relief to be able to relax in this position without sinking down too much. Most people sleeping on their sides, which is a rather large percentage of the population, will find relief in a soft or medium-soft bed, depending on their weight.
Soft mattresses can help with general back pain, and are especially good mattresses for seniors who experience joint problems. The sweet spot here will be finding a mattress that’s adequately supportive, keeping your spine in a neutral position, with a softness that feels good to you. Those with back pain who want a mattress on the soft side should ensure the materials used are durable, as some soft mattresses break down more quickly over time, causing uncomfortable sinkage and improper spinal alignment. For further help in your shopping process, visit our mattress buying guide.
The concept of online shopping has been around for a while now, but there are so many factors to consider when making the right mattress purchase it can be difficult to know what’s best for your individual needs. Have no fear! Here’s everything you need to know.
Department stores, retail stores, and plain old mattress stores are all great options for purchasing a mattress in person. Especially when it comes to a mattress store, you easily have your questions answered and find expert advice from a knowledgable salesman. There are also opportunities to try out the mattress in-store so you can make sure the feel works for you.
While there are a number of perks to buying in-store, there are many others that come with online shopping. You can choose from any and all brands that ship to your home rather than those that are on display in a store. Even better, warranties and sleep trials are there to help protect your mattress purchase.
Related: Should You Buy a Mattress Online or In-Store?
Warranties are an extremely important consideration. They can tell a bit about a company’s confidence in its product, guaranteeing buyers they won’t have to buy another mattress if they find any defects. Because of this, we suggest finding a mattress with a lengthy warranty. It’s also important to keep in mind that each company’s policy is different, so we recommend reading the fine print before making a purchase dependent on a warranty.
Sleep trials are crucial for online shopping. The sleep trial allows you to test a mattress out for free and ensure it fits your preferences and needs. Like warranties, every company has a different sleep trial policy, and we do recommend you select a longer trial period so you have sufficient time to return the mattress if needed.
As with warranties and sleep trials, it’s important to check a company’s individual policies for shipping and returns. Some companies have free shipping and returns, others don’t. Additionally, it’s important to make sure the company you’re purchasing a bed from actually ships to your state or country. If you’re wanting to avoid setting up your mattress, find a bed that comes with an option for white-glove delivery.
Related: Best Online Mattress
A great mattress can make for an incredible long-term investment, but looking at the cost of a mattress is intimidating. Here are some tips on how to navigate discounts, holiday sales, and everything in between.
Holiday sales make for some of the best times to buy a mattress. President’s Day (February), Memorial Day (May), Labor Day (September), Cyber 5 (Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday), and Christmas are where some of the best mattress deals take place.
Let us help you with that! We’ve got a page entirely dedicated to the best mattress deals of 2022.
We’ve tested many, many different mattresses in order to help you get the best night’s sleep possible. In our reviews and roundups, you can easily compare prices of models and search for options that get you the best mattress for the money. For more, check out our articles on the best affordable mattresses as well as the best mattresses under $1,000.
Because all of us have different body types, sleep in different positions at night, and prefer different feels, there is no one-size-fits-all “best soft mattress.” However, if we had to choose, we would go with the Saatva Classic. Although it is an innerspring mattress rather than a plush memory foam, it offers a Plush Soft version. Overall, this bed provides a combination of the features people look for most in a soft mattress: durability, luxury, and cooling. Not only that, but the Saatva is great for back pain and works especially well for side sleeping and back sleeping.
It all depends on your preferred sleeping position! Side sleepers are going to want a softer mattress for contouring and pressure-relief, stomach sleepers are going to need a firmer mattress for additional support, and back sleepers something in between. In the end, it’s important to feel both comfortable and supported on a mattress, and to replace an old mattress causing you discomfort.
The industry standard for mattress firmness is ranked on a scale of 10, and a firmness of 6.5/10 is considered to be medium-firm. A soft mattress fits on the lower end of this scale, with a true soft mattress being about a 4/10.
Again, this answer is dependent on your preferred sleep position. The mattress that’s good for back pain is going to be one that properly supports you in your sleeping position and helps promote proper spinal alignment. However, it’s important to consider body type as well, since a lightweight side sleeper is going to need a softer mattress than a heavier side sleeper. When in doubt, we suggest a medium-firm construction, which combines comfort and support.
| Mattress | Award |
| Saatva Classic | Best Soft Luxury Mattress |
| Helix Sunset | Best for Smaller People |
| WinkBeds GravityLux | Best Medium-Soft Mattress |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature | Best for Combination Sleepers |
| DreamCloud Premier Rest | Best Soft Mattress for Couples |
| Layla Memory Foam | Best Soft King Size Mattress |
| Nolah Signature | Best Soft Memory Foam Mattress |
| Leesa Original | Best Soft Mattress for Back Sleepers |
| Nectar Premier Copper | Best Soft Luxury Mattress |
| Casper Original Hybrid | Best Soft Mattress for Back Pain |
Dr. Tom Ingegno is part of our panel of medical expert contributors on the subject of sleep health. They provide important perspectives on the topics we discuss to help make our content as accurate and dependable as possible. They do not personally endorse any products, nor are they associated with any brands featured in our review content.
