Mattress Firmness Scale
Firmness is rated on a 1–10 scale (1 = softest, 10 = firmest). Most mattresses fall between 4 and 8. Here's what each level actually feels like.
The 1–10 Firmness Scale
Most popular range: 5–7 (Medium to Firm). About 80% of mattresses sold fall in this range.
Find a tested mattress at your firmness
Tap a number on the scale. Every result links to our full hands-on review with lab measurements — not the brand's marketing firmness claim.
6 — Medium-Firm: 84 mattresses tested at this firmness. Showing top 9 by overall score.
DreamCloud Premier
Brooklyn Bedding ThermoBalance Elite
Nectar Memory Foam
Brooklyn Bedding ThermoBalance LX
Helix Midnight Luxe
Brooklyn Bedding ThermoBalance
Saatva Classic
Eight Sleep Pod 3
WinkBed
Ultra Soft
Maximum sink and hug. Extremely rare — most people find this uncomfortably soft. You'll feel like you're sleeping 'in' the mattress rather than 'on' it.
Best for: Very few sleepers; those with specific medical needs
Soft
Significant contouring and pressure relief. Deep body hug with noticeable sinkage. Great for lightweight side sleepers who want plush comfort.
Best for: Side sleepers under 130 lbs
Medium-Soft
Noticeable cushioning with some support. You'll feel cradled but not engulfed. The sweet spot for many side sleepers.
Best for: Side sleepers 130–200 lbs
Medium
The universal comfort zone. Balanced pressure relief and support. Works for most body types and sleep positions. The most popular firmness level.
Best for: Combination sleepers, most body types
Medium-Firm
Slight cushion on top with strong underlying support. You'll feel 'on top' of the mattress with gentle contouring. The second most popular firmness.
Best for: Back sleepers, combination sleepers 150–230 lbs
Firm
Minimal sinkage with a flat, supportive surface. Keeps heavier sleepers on top of the mattress with proper alignment.
Best for: Back & stomach sleepers, heavier sleepers (200+ lbs)
Extra Firm
Very little give. Feels like sleeping on a hard surface with a thin comfort layer. Preferred by strict stomach sleepers and some back pain sufferers.
Best for: Stomach sleepers, heavier sleepers who need maximum support
Ultra Firm
Extremely hard surface with almost no conforming. Rare in consumer mattresses — closer to a floor or tatami mat feel.
Best for: Specific medical recommendations only
Firmness by Sleep Position & Weight
| Sleep Position | <130 lbs | 130–230 lbs | >230 lbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side | 3–4 | 4–6 | 5–7 |
| Back | 4–5 | 5–7 | 6–8 |
| Stomach | 5–6 | 6–7 | 7–8 |
| Combination | 4–5 | 5–6 | 6–7 |
Not Sure Which Firmness to Pick?
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