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We rate mattress firmness on a scale of 1-10, with one indicating soft and 10 hard.
Mattress firmness is subjective, so consider these ratings a guideline, rather than an exact description.
I know this better than most.
But the superior cushioning of a soft memory foam has its own benefits, particularly for side sleepers.
So which is thebest memory foam mattressfor you?
In this guide I’ll break down soft vs firm memory foam, to help you decide.
What is a firm memory foam mattress?
These mattresses have little ‘sink’: when you press against the foam, it offers resistance.
Thebest firm mattressesprovide support from edge-to-edge, with a sturdy and even sleep surface.
This is great at keeping your lumbar region aligned, helping prevent back ache.
Learn more with ourPlank Firm mattress review.
What is a soft memory foam mattress?
This is why we often recommendsoft mattresses for side sleepers.
However, this softness does have its downsides.
This budget-friendly all-foam mattress is around a five out of 10 on the firmness scale.
Learn more in ourZinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress review.
Perhaps the best-known soft memory foam mattress brand is Tempur-Pedic.
Check out ourTempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud Mattress reviewto learn more.
Memory foam mattress pricesvary significantly, with budget-friendly and premium mattresses available in soft and firm feels.
However, first impressions aren’t everything and it can take several weeks to adjust to a new mattress.
Without any sink, firm mattresses support the body from the shoulders down.
Even the hardest foam mattresses are still foam, so there is some degree of cushioning.
For the most part,firm mattresses are too hard for side sleepers.
And it’s easy to roll around on a firm mattress.
This was a benefit for me, as I hate feeling ‘trapped’ in a mattress.
This contouring is particularly good for side sleepers, as it can cushion the shoulders, hips and knees.
This sinking can cause issues depending on your sleep style and body bang out.
Beyond sleep position, there are a few performance that are commonpros and cons of memory foam mattresses.
Overheating can cause you to toss and turn, disrupting your sleep and leading to some stuffy mornings.
But does mattress firmness make a difference to sleep temperature?
Firmness can impact temperature, but it’s just one factor in a series of influences.
Thebest cooling mattressescome in a variety of feels and designs, using materials such asGlacioTex coversto keep temperatures down.
Firm vs soft memory foam mattresses: which should you buy?
These mattresses keep the lumbar region and hips aloft, reducing pressure on the spine.
If you don’t like fighting to switch positions, opt for a firmer feel.
You’ll find significantly more cushioning with a softer memory foam than a firm mattress.
A softer memory foam will ooze around the body to keep you in a close embrace as you sleep.
Softer foams are good for relieving aches across the body.
