When many people think of the best soft mattress, they imagine something that lets them sink in and feel the worries of the day melt away. These types of beds are an excellent choice for side sleepers and those who need some extra cushioning. If you fall into one of these categories, read on for my list of the ten best soft mattresses. Of the hundreds of beds I’ve personally reviewed, these are the cream of the crop!
The Best Soft Mattresses: Our Top 10 Picks
- Nectar Premier – Best Overall
- WinkBeds GravityLux – Best Soft Memory Foam Mattress
- Saatva – Best Soft Innerspring Mattress
- Helix Sunset – Best Soft Hybrid Mattress
- Leesa – Best Soft Mattress For Side Sleepers
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Soft Cooling Mattress
- DreamCloud Premier – Best Soft Luxury Mattress
- Nolah Signature – Best Soft Mattress For Back Pain
- Layla – Best Soft Mattress for Couples
- Puffy Lux Hybrid – Best Plush Mattress For Lightweight Sleepers
How We Chose Our Products
Our team of sleep specialists have reviewed more than 150 mattresses, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to establish easy-to-understand scores. In addition to an overall score, we measure subscores for support, edge support, cooling, motion transfer, durability, trial period, and warranty. All 10 of the models featured in this article scored above average in all categories. If you think you need something firmer or cooler, take a look at our personalized mattress quiz.
Nectar Premier Mattress
The Nectar Premier is a plush memory foam mattress with some great cooling features.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Nectar Premier Mattress
The Nectar Premier is a plush memory foam mattress with some great cooling features.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Nectar Premier Mattress
The Nectar Premier is a plush memory foam mattress with some great cooling features.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
With its plush comfort layers and high-quality construction, the Nectar gives you that classic, slow-sinking feeling of memory foam. At the top, you’ll find 3” of gel memory foam that contours the body. However, you shouldn’t feel like you’re sinking too far into this mattress, due to a 7” layer of high-density base foam that should give you the lumbar support you need.
What Makes the Nectar Premier Stand Out?
- On our firmness scale, 6.5/10 is the industry standard for medium-firm. The Nectar Premier feels slightly softer than this, coming in at 6/10.
- The soft feel is a great fit for back and side sleepers with joint pain.
- The mattress is backed by a Forever Warranty and comes with a 365-night sleep trial period.
Read our full Nectar Premier mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses 2022 for more great options.
WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress
The WinkBeds GravityLux is a very comfortable all-foam mattress. It should be a good match for back, side, and combo sleepers.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress
The WinkBeds GravityLux is a very comfortable all-foam mattress. It should be a good match for back, side, and combo sleepers.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress
The WinkBeds GravityLux is a very comfortable all-foam mattress. It should be a good match for back, side, and combo sleepers.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
The WinkBeds GravityLux is a memory foam mattress that has a good deal of that slow-moving feel. It’s available in four different firmness levels: Softer, Luxury Firm, Firmer, and Plus. For this review, we’ll focus specifically on the Softer model.
The mattress starts to soften up after you lie down on it for a bit. This is a good sign, as it means this mattress features some high-density foams and should be a good durable option. Some soft mattresses start to sag quickly, but this should not be an issue with the high-quality WinkBeds GravityLux. If you want a great soft mattress, the WinkBed GravityLux could be just what you are looking for.
What Makes the WinkBeds GravityLux Stand Out?
- The WinkBeds GravityLux features many cooling features for hot sleepers.
- The mattress features zoning, making it a good mattress for combination sleepers.
- Back sleepers who need more lumbar support should love the GravityLux.
Read our full WinkBeds GravityLux mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Memory Foam Mattresses for more great options.
Saatva Mattress
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
Material
Innerspring
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Mattress
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
Material
Innerspring
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Mattress
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
Material
Innerspring
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Looking for the best soft innerspring mattress? The Saatva Classic mattress could be just right for you. The Saatva features two sets of coils, a pillow-top, and an organic cotton cover. In addition, you can choose from three firmnesses. Fans of soft mattresses should feel comfortable on the Plush Soft model. The pillow-top is extremely plush on this mattress and offers great pressure relief. It creates a cloud-like experience.
What Makes the Saatva Stand Out?
- The Saatva Classic is very breathable and is a great cooling mattress.
- The mattress is bouncy, making it easy to change positions.
- Zoning makes it a great mattress for back pain.
Read our full Saatva mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Innerspring Mattresses for more great options.
Helix Sunset Mattress
The Helix Sunset is the company's softest model and is a great fit for side sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Sunset Mattress
The Helix Sunset is the company's softest model and is a great fit for side sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Sunset Mattress
The Helix Sunset is the company's softest model and is a great fit for side sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Soft: 5.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix’s softest model, the hybrid Sunset, features both Memory Plus Foam and Helix Dynamic Foam in its comfort layer. Both materials are pressure-relieving on the shoulders and hips, making this plush mattress ideal for side sleepers.
What Makes the Helix Sunset Stand Out?
- Its individually wrapped coils promote airflow through the bed and keep it from trapping too much heat.
- Helix is all about customization and offers many different models to fit a variety of sleepers. Customers can take a sleep quiz to find the right bed.
- The Sunset comes in a Luxe version, which adds plushness and luxurious features.
Read our full Helix Sunset mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Hybrid Mattresses for more great options.
Leesa Original Mattress
Made with responsive foam, the Leesa Original mattress works well for side sleepers and hot sleepers.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Leesa Original Mattress
Made with responsive foam, the Leesa Original mattress works well for side sleepers and hot sleepers.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Leesa Original Mattress
Made with responsive foam, the Leesa Original mattress works well for side sleepers and hot sleepers.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
The Leesa is a top-notch pick for side sleepers, because the bed is able to create a balance of comfort and support. Side sleepers should appreciate the soft twill fabric cover, along with the layer of slow-moving memory foam. This helps cradle pressure points at the shoulder and hips. You shouldn’t feel stuck if you’re a combination sleeper because its durable polyfoam and responsive comfort layer provide bounce.
What Makes the Leesa Stand Out?
- Back sleepers should also find plenty of support with its thick comfort foam and strong foundation layer.
- This is a durable foam mattress due to the dense comfort and foundation layers, as well as its 10″ height.
- The mattress features a breathable comfort layer and a cooling cover that shouldn’t trap heat like memory foam is known to do.
Read our full Leesa mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers for more great options.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding has amazing products that are sold at very affordable prices. This mattress is extremely high-quality and a great option for combination sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding has amazing products that are sold at very affordable prices. This mattress is extremely high-quality and a great option for combination sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding has amazing products that are sold at very affordable prices. This mattress is extremely high-quality and a great option for combination sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is made with a special proprietary material called TitanFlex foam. In addition to being responsive and bouncy, it has an infusion of TitaniumGel to help the bed keep a low temperature. When combined with a support layer of individually wrapped coils that promote airflow, this is a soft bed that sleeps cool.
What Makes the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Stand Out?
- This hybrid mattress comes in three different firmness levels. For this roundup, we naturally recommend their Soft model.
- The Soft model works well for most side sleepers because it creates pressure point relief along the shoulders and hips.
- Brooklyn Bedding manufactures all of their mattresses in their own factory, so they can pass the savings on to the customer.
Read our full Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Cooling Mattresses for more great options.
DreamCloud Premier Mattress
DreamCloud Premier is a high-quality, luxury mattress that should appeal to a wide range of sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
DreamCloud Premier Mattress
DreamCloud Premier is a high-quality, luxury mattress that should appeal to a wide range of sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
DreamCloud Premier Mattress
DreamCloud Premier is a high-quality, luxury mattress that should appeal to a wide range of sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Want to feel like you’re resting at a 5-star hotel? Well, DreamCloud Premier fits the bill. This mattress is just a bit firmer than the other mattresses on this list, but it still has plenty of comfort to offer. The plush cashmere pillow-top provides excellent pressure relief, while the individually wrapped coils provide all the support you will need. This makes it a great match if you like soft mattresses, but need more support.
What Makes the DreamCloud Premier Stand Out?
- It features cooling materials that will keep you from overheating.
- The DreamCloud Premier is an excellent orthopedic mattress.
- Average-weight back sleepers and side sleepers are going to be especially comfortable on the DreamCloud Premier.
Read the full DreamCloud Premier mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Luxury Mattresses for more great options.
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
The Nolah Signature is a fantastic medium-firm mattress that offers plenty of foam comfort and pressure relief.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
The Nolah Signature is a fantastic medium-firm mattress that offers plenty of foam comfort and pressure relief.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
The Nolah Signature is a fantastic medium-firm mattress that offers plenty of foam comfort and pressure relief.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Back pain can happen for a number of reasons, and one of them is your mattress. To prevent and alleviate your back pain, we recommend the Nolah Signature. This is a comfortable all-foam mattress that boasts an excellent balance of comfort and support. This will help to keep your spine neutrally aligned which can help with back pain. The top foam layers contour to your curves and let you sink in just the right amount, and the support foam holds up your body. This makes the Nolah Signature ideal for those with back pain.
What Makes the Nolah Signature Stand Out?
- The Nolah Signature Hybrid’s Airfoam does not trap heat like memory foam, making it a great pick for hot sleepers.
- This is a soft mattress, but it is still responsive, making it easy to move around and change positions.
- The Nolah Signature is a great fit for all three sleeping positions.
Read our full Nolah Signature mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Back Pain for more great options.
Layla Mattress
An innovative and flippable mattress, the Layla works for a variety of different types of sleepers.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Layla Mattress
An innovative and flippable mattress, the Layla works for a variety of different types of sleepers.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Layla Mattress
An innovative and flippable mattress, the Layla works for a variety of different types of sleepers.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
The Layla is a flippable bed, with both a softer and firmer side. Since we’re talking about soft mattresses, we focused on the soft side, which scored a softer-than-average 5.5/10 on the firmness scale. Based on my experience and our pressure map test (yay, science), this side of the Layla relieves pressure exceptionally well. And the fact that it has two firmnesses in one bed makes it a good match for couples who have different sleeping preferences.
What Makes the Layla Stand Out?
- Side-sleeping, I felt little pressure on my shoulders and hips, and the pressure map showed only slight pressure in those areas.
- The plushness and pressure relief come from 3″ of copper-infused memory foam that make the Layla one of the most comfortable mattresses we’ve reviewed!
- The copper-infused memory foam makes the Layla a cooler-sleeping mattress that should also stay free of bacteria and mildew.
Read our full Layla mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Couples for more great options.
Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress
The Puffy Lux Hybrid is a luxurious mattress that provides great pressure relief, especially for side sleepers and lightweight people.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
101 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress
The Puffy Lux Hybrid is a luxurious mattress that provides great pressure relief, especially for side sleepers and lightweight people.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
101 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress
The Puffy Lux Hybrid is a luxurious mattress that provides great pressure relief, especially for side sleepers and lightweight people.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
101 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
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 Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
When it comes to mattress firmness, a person’s size and weight plays a huge part. While a bed like the Puffy Lux Hybrid might feel firm to a larger person, a lightweight person should find it to be soft and comfortable. First, they’ll experience a cooling gel memory foam. Beneath this sits a layer of Puffy’s Dual Cloud Foam. This material should gently contour the body of a lightweight sleeper (especially side sleepers) without making them feel “stuck” inside it.
What Makes the Puffy Lux Hybrid Stand Out?
- It has a layer of Climate Control foam, which helps the bed stay cool all night long.
- In the support layer, this mattress has a layer of high-density memory foam and some Contour-Adapt Coils.
- Thanks to its high-quality construction, the Puffy Lux Hybrid should be a durable bed-in-a-box mattress.
Read our full Puffy Lux Hybrid mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Lightweight Sleepers for more great options.
Soft Mattresses for Heavyweight Sleepers – Over 230 lb
When shopping for a plush mattress, it’s crucial to consider one’s size and weight. Here are our thoughts on which of these mattresses heavier people should prefer.
The Layla is a flippable and features a firm and a soft side. Even for a larger person, the plush side should feel quite soft and should provide excellent pressure relief. In addition, it’s a fantastic option for both heavier back and side sleepers.
While we discussed the Helix Sunset above, we also wanted to mention the Helix Plus, the brand’s mattress made specifically for larger people. It’s an extremely supportive mattress with tall coils, but also features nice foam layers that provide some soft comfort on top of the mattress. Heavy people often bottom out on softer memory foam mattresses, but thanks to its extra cushioning, the Helix Plus should prevent that.
You can read our full Helix Plus mattress review to learn more about this option.
What to Look for in a Soft Mattress
If you’re looking for the best mattress for you, take the following factors into consideration before whipping out the credit card.
Materials
Certain mattress types will naturally be softer than others. Here’s a breakdown of which are the softest:
- Memory foam mattresses are plush, although the higher the density of the foams, the firmer the bed will be.
- Latex mattresses have a bouncier feel. They’re also soft, but in a different way from the slow-moving, sinking feeling of memory foam.
- Innerspring mattresses are built with a layer (or layers) of coils, so they tend to be the firmest and bounciest.
- Hybrid mattresses combine a support layer of coils with a top comfort layer. The materials used in the comfort layer vary from bed to bed, which can greatly affect the feel. Generally, hybrid mattresses offer more support than memory foam mattresses, but can have a soft feel depending on the plushness of the comfort layer.
- Airbeds are built with adjustable air chambers so you can adjust the firmness of your mattress. For an example, check out the Saatva Solaire mattress.
Edge Support
One common issue with soft mattresses is a lack of proper edge support. When you sit near the edge, many plush mattresses will collapse, making it more difficult to tie your shoes or sit securely on the bed. Also, weak edge support means you may not be able to utilize as much of the mattress without feeling unsupported or rolling off. Luckily, many companies add a foam encasement to help with edge support. Pay attention to this factor when looking into the construction of a soft mattress.
RELATED: Best Mattresses for Couples
Spine Alignment
Discomfort and pain in the lower back can occur when the spine gets out of alignment. If you sleep on your side, this shouldn’t be an issue on a softer mattress, but if you sleep on your back or stomach, you may need more support. Knowing your preferred sleeping position and exactly how much support you require can help you find a plush mattress that’s best suited to your needs.
Responsiveness
Some people love the feeling of sinking into a soft mattress, but this can also limit your movements a bit and make you feel “stuck” in the bed. That’s why many soft mattresses incorporate bouncier, more responsive foams that offer comfort and pressure relief while also allowing you shift between positions throughout the night.
Temperature Control
If you’re sinking into a plush mattress, it’s likely you’ll trap body heat. So if you’re a naturally hot sleeper, or just want to avoid sweating through your sheets, you may want to look for extra cooling features. Foams infused with copper or gel beads can offer a cooler night’s sleep, and latex is a naturally cooling material. For those extra-hot sleepers, you may want to avoid an all-foam mattress and look for a hybrid mattress with a coil construction that allows air to easily pass through the bed.
Durability
Don’t assume that if a mattress is soft, it’s going to be an excellent fit. You still want to make sure that it utilizes high-quality, durable foams so it can stand the test of time without sagging prematurely.
RELATED: Best Mattresses That Won’t Sag
Price
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Who Should Pick a Soft Mattress?
If you’re deciding between a firm vs soft mattress, it may help to learn what types of sleepers are most comfortable on a plusher mattress:
- Side sleepers. The best mattresses for side sleepers are softer mattresses that relieve pressure on the shoulders and hips. If someone sleeps on their side and has a firm mattress, they may not get the deep, restful sleep they need.
- Lighter-weight people. Firmness is truly subjective. One person might think a mattress is firm, while another person might think that the same mattress is softer. On the whole, lightweight sleepers will tend to think a mattress is firmer than those who weigh more. For this reason, lighter-weight people will typically want to select a softer mattress.
- People who like to sink into their mattresses. Softer mattresses, especially those of the memory foam variety, are fantastic for someone who prefers to sleep “in” their mattress rather than “on top” of it.
- Couples. Memory foam is found in many plush mattresses, and it does a fantastic job of cutting down on motion transfer. If one sleeps with a partner, choosing a softer mattress might decrease the chance that they’ll feel their movements on the other side of the bed.
Who Shouldn’t Pick a Soft Mattress?
Just as some types of sleepers are ideally suited to a soft mattress, others may find their sleeping style doesn’t jive with a softer sleeping surface:
- Stomach sleepers. People who sleep on their stomachs require an extra level of support, so they may find that their hips sink in too far while resting on a softer mattress. When this happens, the spine can get out of alignment and cause significant back pain. Overall, they aren’t the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.
- Some back sleepers. While some back sleepers may find the support they need on a plusher mattress, others may not. They could feel their hips sinking in too far and, like stomach sleepers, notice their spines getting out of alignment.
- Heavier people. If someone is larger, no matter what position they sleep in, a softer mattress may not be the best choice. Side-sleeping can cause them to press through the soft comfort layers of the mattress and “bottom out.” This means they’ll feel the firmer support layers underneath the plush layers and experience some pressure on their shoulders and hips. When they’re back-sleeping or stomach-sleeping, they may feel their hips sink into the mattress, throwing their spine out of alignment. See our best mattresses for heavy people.
Do Soft Mattresses Sleep Hot?
While soft mattresses promise comfort, pressure relief, and an enveloping feeling for many sleepers, these factors can also mean they sleep hotter. That being said, choosing a soft mattress doesn’t mean one is doomed to overheat. Several factors may play a role in whether or not someone sleeps hot on a plush mattress.
- Materials. The materials that make up a soft mattress can determine a person’s sleep temperature. For example, pure memory foam is known for trapping heat and directing it back at sleepers. At the same time, materials such as graphite and gel may assist with cooling.
- Construction. Even all-foam mattresses aren’t guaranteed to sleep hot, and a mattress’ construction can go a long way toward addressing this issue. Many mattress companies add air channels and holes to the memory foam layer to encourage airflow. Additionally, some plush mattresses are hybrid models, which means they combine coils and foam. The coils increase airflow, which can help considerably when it comes to sleeping hot.
- How far one sinks into the mattress may play a role in temperature regulation. If one sleeps “in” the bed, there’s less room for airflow and they’ll trap more heat.
Summary
| Mattress | Superlative |
| Nectar Premier | Best Overall |
| WinkBeds GravityLux | Best Soft Memory Foam Mattress |
| Saatva | Best Soft Innerspring Mattress |
| Helix Sunset | Best Soft Hybrid Mattress |
| Leesa | Best Soft Mattress for Side Sleepers |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Best Soft Cooling Mattress |
| DreamCloud Premier | Best Soft Luxury Mattress |
| Nolah Signature | Best Soft Mattress for Back Pain |
| Layla | Best Soft Mattress for Couples |
| Puffy Lux Hybrid | Best Plush Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers |
FAQs
What are soft mattresses good for?
Soft mattresses are an ideal choice for side sleepers. Those who sleep in this position require a mattress that will relieve pressure on their shoulders and hips. They'll want a mattress that will allow them to sink so that their shoulders and hips aren’t driving into a firm surface.
Are soft mattresses good for your back?
This depends on someone’s sleeping position; if they sleep on their side, a soft mattress could be good for their back, as it provides pressure relief while still keeping the spine in neutral alignment. If you're looking for a soft mattress that's good for your back, I recommend checking out the Nolah Signature mattress. However, if someone is a back sleeper or stomach sleeper, a softer mattress might not offer the necessary support. Without this support, back and stomach sleepers could sink into the mattress too far and start to develop back pain and strain.
How do you know if your mattress is too soft?
If someone wakes up with aches and pains, especially in the lower back, it could be a clear sign that their mattress is too soft. This is particularly true for back and stomach sleepers who require more support than side sleepers.
Is a plush mattress softer than medium firmness?
In a word, yes. A medium-firm mattress is going to score at least a 6.5 out of 10 on our firmness scare, with plush or soft mattresses scoring a 6 or below. That being said, we've included a handful of beds here that are a 6.5, but still feel soft due to their materials and contouring.
