Do medium-firm mattresses suit all sleepers? How to tell if you need a firmer or softer bed

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What is a medium-firm mattress?

Are medium-firm mattresses any good?

The Saatva Classic mattress photographed from up high to show the lumbar support section

Medium-firm mattresses have a universal appeal as they are often regarded as having a Goldilocks-level of comfort.

However, not every medium-firm mattress is without its faults.

Who should buy a medium-firm mattress?

Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress

A medium-firm mattress’s universal appeal is also why mostmattresses used in hotelsare medium-firm.

it’s possible for you to find firm mattresses in our guide to thebest mattress for heavy people.

Without this extra give, pressure may build up causing aches and pains.

We re-test the Siena Memory Foam Mattress in the stomach-sleeping position

A person lies in a side sleeping position on the Leesa Legend Hybrid Mattress

A woman wearing green tshirt sitting in bed with her bed tilted and her hand on her neck.

Helix midnight elite mattress

A man�s hand resting on the surface of a soft memory foam mattress

Two women sit on the Helix Dawn Mattress for stomach sleepers, photographed on a light wooden bed frame in a blue bedroom

Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress

Two women sit on the Helix Midnight Elite mattress as they look for the right mattress for their sleep position, a Tom�s Guide Sleep Awareness Week deals graphic (right)

A split image featuring the Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress on the left and the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid on the right, leading into the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid vs Nectar Classic showdown

The image shows a woman sitting up in bed and clutching her shoulder in pain

The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress on a bed frame in a bedroom, a man and his young sun sitting on top of it, smiling. A Tom�s Guide price drop deals graphic (right)