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 reviewed mattress at your firmness
Tap a number on the scale. Every result links to an evaluation that clearly identifies whether it includes hands-on lab measurements or research findings.
6 — Medium: 134 mattresses tested at this firmness. Showing top 9 by overall score.
Vispring Diamond Majesty
Hästens 2000T
DreamCloud Premier
Brooklyn Bedding ThermoBalance Elite
Nectar Memory Foam
Brooklyn Bedding ThermoBalance LX
Hästens Superia
Helix Midnight Luxe
Brooklyn Bedding ThermoBalance
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 |
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