Mattresses come in a variety of firmness levels to meet different sleepers’ needs. Some people require firm support from their bed, while others sleep better with a soft, contouring mattress.
Those who weigh less than 130 pounds typically receive the best support from a soft mattress. Soft mattresses cushion and contour to these sleepers, who apply less pressure to a bed’s surface. Side sleepers may also prefer a softer bed that conforms at pressure points to help them maintain proper spinal alignment. And regardless of sleep type, you may just enjoy the enveloping feel of a plush mattress.
We provide advice on choosing the best bed for your sleep position and body type and cover our top picks for the best soft mattress. We also offer tips on how to make your current mattress softer.
The Best Soft Mattresses
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Find Your Perfect Mattress
We know mattresses work differently for different types of sleepers. Use the filters below to help narrow down your options for your best bed.
Read on to see why the following six options made our top picks list of 2024’s best soft mattresses.
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Overall
Lytton Signature Comfort Plush
Sleep Doctor’s Review
A plush pillow-top and adaptive foam layers make the Lytton Signature Comfort Plush a great choice for people who enjoy soft mattresses. Our testers noticed excellent contouring for pressure points in their hips, shoulders, and lower back without sinking too deeply and misaligning the spine.
Buy From Lytton
Stomach Sleepers
Medium, Firm Options
Plush, Supportive Surface
Good Value
Pros
- Pillow-top design provides plush surface
- Foam layers cradle pressure points
- Two firmness options
Cons
- Couples who prioritize motion isolation may find the coils transfer more movement
- The plush foam layers may restrict too much movement on the surface for some sleepers
Why We Like It
The Lytton Signature Mattress is a foam hybrid with a pillow-top design. The mattress is available in two firmness options, both of which feel plush thanks to the pillow-top surface, however we recommend the softer version if you’re looking for an exceptionally soft mattress.
Between the two firmness options, most testers on our team found an option that felt comfortable. The firm option felt comfortable for sleepers in all sleep positions but earned the highest marks from back and stomach sleepers above 130 pounds. The softer option was best suited for side sleepers, who need a plush surface to cradle the shoulders and hips. The foam layers absorbed motion and sound quite efficiently when we moved across the surface. This makes the mattress a great choice for couples and co-sleepers looking to minimize disturbances.
How Does It Feel?
The mattress is available in a firm (7) and medium (5) model. In both options, the breathable cotton/polyester-blend cover is quilted with foam layers to provide a nicely cushioned pillow-top surface. These layers also feature a gel infusion meant to reduce heat buildup. Beneath are layers of polyfoam that cushions the body while preventing your body from sinking too deeply into the support core. These layers are softer in the medium model than in the firm model. A thick coil system gives the bed sturdy support, including plenty of reinforcement along the perimeter.
Best Value
Layla Memory Foam Mattress
Sleep Doctor’s Review
A flippable design with two firmnesses in one makes the Layla Memory Foam Mattress an appealing option for value seekers. Our side-sleeping testers appreciated the softer side’s deep cradling, which helped relieve pressure buildup and keep the spine aligned. You also can’t beat the affordable price-point and lifetime warranty.
Buy From Layla
Couples
Soft, Firm Sides
Close-Conforming Foam
Great Value
Pros
- Reversible, offering two firmness levels
- Adaptive foams contour closely to the body to alleviate pressure
- Zoned foam layer creates targeted support
Cons
- Hot sleepers may find the foam layers trap too much heat
- Couples who prefer responsiveness for sex may find the plush surface restricts movement
Why We Like It
The competitively priced Layla Memory Foam Mattress features a reversible design with two firmness levels: medium soft (4) and firm (7). Sleepers can simply flip the mattress over to switch between firmness levels, which is great if you aren’t sure whether a soft mattress is right for you. It’s also a helpful feature for those who plan to use the bed in a guest room or Airbnb and want multiple options for their guests.
The soft, cushioning side of the bed was more popular among our side sleepers, cradling pressure points like the hips and shoulders to align the spine properly during sleep. Our back and stomach sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds also felt adequately supported by the mattress’ plusher side. Both sides absorbed most movement transfer and noise during our motion isolation tests, making the mattress a great choice for couples.
How Does It Feel?
The softer side of the mattress contains 3 inches of copper gel-infused memory foam and 2 inches of zoned polyfoam in its comfort system, which sinks softly beneath the sleeper and responds to the body at pressure points.
The firm side of the mattress features the layers in reverse, with a much thinner memory foam comfort layer and a thicker support core. The shared support core contains 4.5 inches of polyfoam combined with an additional 1 inch of memory foam to provide firmer support that prevents motion transfer while reducing springiness. A breathable cover made from a polyester, rayon, viscose, and poly-lycra blend encases the mattress.
Most Comfortable
WinkBed
Sleep Doctor’s Review
The WinkBed’s balanced cushioning and support make it a highly comfortable option for many sleepers. The Softer WinkBed features one more foam layer than the firmer models, which gives it a luxuriously plush feel. Meanwhile, the robust coil system kept our bodies on an even plane.
Buy From WinkBeds
Combination Sleepers
Soft, Medium, Firm, Extra Firm Options
Bouncy, Supportive Surface
Good Value
Pros
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Provides good pressure relief
- Sturdy but breathable innerspring construction
Cons
- Back and stomach sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds may sink too deeply into the mattress
- May lack motion isolation for some couples
Why We Like It
The WinkBed is a versatile luxury innerspring that performs like a hybrid mattress, with an adaptive comfort system over sturdy zoned coils. If you’re in the market for a mattress that conforms closely without sinking too much, the medium soft version of the WinkBed should be a good fit.
The medium soft version of the WinkBed worked particularly well for the side sleepers on our team weighing less than 230 pounds. The hugging foam and responsive coils relieved pressure in the hip and shoulder areas and helped maintain good posture for these sleepers. It also provided comfort and support to our back and stomach sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds. The bed’s durable, coil-based construction is temperature neutral, and we also noticed very little off-gassing after removing it from the box.
How Does It Feel?
Beneath the cover, the medium soft option’s comfort system features a quilted Euro-top containing gel-infused polyfoam, which is designed to divert heat away from the body and keep you cool. An additional 2 inches of polyfoam complete the comfort system, creating a thick, cushioning feel.
In the support core, pocketed coils are arranged into supportive zones. Designed to respond to movement and body weight in key spots, the zoned coils improve pressure relief and lumbar support while reducing motion transfer. The high-grade steel coils also reinforce the bed’s edges, so you can use the full surface of the mattress without experiencing sagging.
Best Pressure Relief
Cariloha Resort Bamboo Mattress
Sleep Doctor’s Review
All-foam models often excel in our pressure relief tests, and the Cariloha Resort Bamboo Mattress is no exception. The three adaptive memory foam layers closely hugged our testers’ bodies and effectively relieved undue pressure buildup in their hips, shoulders, and lower back
Buy From Cariloha
Back Sleepers
Medium
Close-Conforming Foam
Fair Value
Pros
- Memory foam layers contour to the body and relieve pressure
- Adaptive comfort system prevents most movement transfer
- Breathable and moisture-wicking cover made from bamboo-derived viscose
Cons
- Foam layers may retain excessive body heat
- Couples may find the foam layers restrict movement across the surface
Why We Like It
The Cariloha Resort Bamboo Mattress is an all-foam bed that features multiple layers of memory foam. These foam layers hug your body closely to relieve pressure buildup around joints and other pressure-sensitive areas.
The bed earned excellent reviews from the side sleepers on our team, which is no surprise given that side sleepers usually enjoy memory foam for its deep cradling around the shoulders and hips. We also found the plush feel was a great fit for back sleepers, with ample cushioning along the spine. The Cariloha Resort Bamboo Mattress excels at absorbing motion, so if you share the bed with a restless sleeper you should feel barely any disturbance from their movements through the night. The foam layers also produce little to no noise, which is another advantage for anyone who shares the bed with a sleep partner.
How Does It Feel?
Two layers of adaptive memory foam in the comfort system cushions the surface. Underneath is a layer of transitional memory foam that prevents your body from sinking too deeply into the mattress. This layer also ensures your weight is evenly distributed. High-density polyfoam in the support core reinforces the sleep surface. A naturally breathable and moisture-wicking cover made from bamboo-derived viscose encases the mattress. The bed has a 12-inch profile with a medium (5) firmness level.
Best Luxury
Nolah Evolution 15
Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Nolah Evolution 15 is a high-end hybrid with a luxurious feel to match. Although the foam layers in the medium (5) model contour closely to the body to relieve pressure, the foam’s open-cell construction and steady airflow through the coil support core prevent too much heat buildup.
Buy From Nolah
Hot Sleepers
Soft, Medium, Firm Options
Plush, Supportive Surface
Fair Value
Pros
- Open-cell foams cushion the body while minimizing heat retention
- Zoned coils reinforce the midsection and protect the edges
- Euro-top design delivers above-average motion isolation and pressure relief
Cons
- Sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds may find their midsections sink too deeply into the mattress
- The foam layers may produce some off-gassing odor in the first few nights
Why We Like It
We recommend the plush version of the Nolah Evolution 15 to anyone who needs close cushioning to sleep comfortably. The foam layers cradle and contour to the body, alleviating pressure along the spine, but the zoned coils provide plenty of support to areas where more weight is concentrated. During our tests, we found this mattress provided excellent pressure relief and even support for our side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds, as well as back sleepers in the same weight range.
We found that the foam layers absorb movement well, so co-sleepers shouldn’t experience too many sleep disruptions when the other person changes positions or gets up during the night. Meanwhile, the coils give the mattress a responsive feel that many people may enjoy for sex. The breathable cover and coils also help the mattress regulate temperature well throughout the night, which appealed to our hot-sleeping testers.
How Does It Feel?
The Nolah Evolution 15 is a luxury Euro-top hybrid available in three firmness levels. These include a Plush version with a medium (5) feel that cradles the body, alleviates pressure, and isolates motion well — especially compared to other hybrid models.
The Evolution 15’s Euro-top comfort system consists of four foam layers, each with an open-cell composition to limit heat retention and keep the surface cool. Each layer is progressively denser from top to bottom, so you’ll sink slightly after getting into bed but the underlying layers should keep your body aloft.
The support core contains pocketed coils in a zoned arrangement to ensure even support for your entire body. Thicker coils rest beneath the torso and hips, which are two areas where people tend to carry a disproportionate amount of weight. Thinner coils in other sections create a gentler feel for lighter areas of the body, while the perimeter is reinforced to prevent deep sinkage when you sleep near the edges.
Best for Side Sleepers
Helix Sunset
Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Helix Sunset is an exceptionally soft hybrid that side sleepers on our team thoroughly enjoyed. The mattress’ adaptive foam layers hugged our side sleepers’ bodies closely to relieve common pressure buildup in the hips and shoulders. Meanwhile, the robust coil system helped them maintain healthy sleep postures.
Buy From Helix
Couples
Soft
Close-Conforming Foam
Good Value
Pros
- Adaptive memory foam cushions the surface
- Hybrid design relieves pressure and isolates motion
- Coils generate steady airflow to help the mattress sleep cool
Cons
- The mattress is likely too soft for most sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds
- The plush surface will probably be too restrictive for couples who prefer responsiveness for sex
Why We Like It
The soft (3) feel and cradling construction of the Helix Sunset works best for side sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds, who particularly benefit from cushioning in the hip and shoulder areas. If you have a different sleep style or body type, you may want to consider a firmer mattress with a less conforming feel. Stomach sleepers, for example, may sink too far into the surface of this soft bed, causing the spine to fall out of alignment.
The Sunset is also quiet for a hybrid mattress, making it great if you share the bed with a restless sleep partner. The motion-absorbing memory foam and individual coils emit little to no squeaking or creaking when sleepers change positions or get out of bed. The foam layers offer great pressure relief, while a breathable cover and coils help offset the foam’s heat-retaining properties.
How Does It Feel?
The Helix Sunset is an exceptionally soft and adaptive hybrid model. This mattress should be ideal for side sleepers seeking cushioning for their sore hips and shoulders but still want sturdy coil support.
The cover is made from breathable polyester. The comfort system starts with a layer of contouring memory foam that cushions your body, conforming gently to relieve pressure points. Underneath is a layer of transitional polyfoam that is slightly more responsive to prevent you from sinking too deeply into the coils.
In the support core, 8-inch pocketed coils stabilize the mattress while helping to reduce motion transfer across the surface. Additional polyfoam in the support core strengthens the Helix Sunset’s design, reinforcing the perimeter to improve edge support.
Why You Should Trust Us
Our experienced team of sleep specialists has assessed soft mattresses from a variety of manufacturers, evaluating each mattress’ features and performance. We test each bed before offering our recommendations. Our testers comprise a wide range of sleep styles and body types, allowing us to provide every sleeper with accurate information.
More Mattress Options by Feel
Should You Sleep on a Soft Mattress?
Soft mattresses can provide a luxurious cloud-like feel and appropriate support for certain body types and sleep positions. However, soft mattresses are not for everyone.
Side sleepers and people weighing less than 130 pounds typically need a softer mattress that responds to their body weight in order to maintain proper posture. But a closely contouring mattress may sink too much at a back or stomach sleeper’s abdomen, misaligning the spine and causing muscle strain.
A soft mattress is ideal for sleepers who need strong contouring and pressure relief for areas like the shoulders, hips, or spine. If you enjoy soft surfaces but still need support for the lower back, consider a soft hybrid model. These offer cushioned surfaces without necessarily sacrificing support.
There are also structural considerations you should take into account, such as the durability of the bed. Soft mattresses generally aren’t as durable as firm beds. And while soft mattresses usually relieve pressure and isolate motion better than firm ones, they often sleep warmer than firm models.
Pros
- Good pressure relief helps side sleepers and people under 130 pounds achieve ideal sleep posture
- Less motion transfer, making sleep more peaceful for couples
- Can offer comfort to those with muscle or joint pain
Cons
- May lack support for back and stomach sleepers and people over 230 pounds
- Typically not as durable as a firm bed
- Less edge support than firmer mattresses
- May sleep hot
Is a Soft Mattress Bad for Your Back?
Depending on your sleep position and body type, a soft mattress can be beneficial for your back. Side sleepers often need a softer mattress with good pressure relief in the hip and shoulder areas to maintain proper sleep posture and prevent back pain.
Soft mattresses are only bad for your back if you sink too deeply into the bed, which can cause problems with your posture. Stomach sleepers and those weighing more than 230 pounds are especially prone to sinking and should consider a firmer mattress.
How to Determine the Right Firmness for You
Every sleeper is slightly different. When determining the best mattress firmness for you, it’s important to consider your body type and preferred sleep position. A soft mattress provides a unique, enveloping sleep experience that typically suits side sleepers and people under 130 pounds. But all sleepers should consider a variety of factors when choosing their preferred mattress firmness.
Our Firmness Scale and What Makes a Mattress Soft
We rate all the beds we test on a 10-point firmness rating scale, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. Soft mattresses fall between 1 and 5 on our scale. A 1 is an extra soft bed that offers no pushback, and a 5 is a medium firmness that has a moderately soft feel and light contouring.
The level of softness that helps you achieve quality sleep depends largely on your body weight and build, along with your sleep preferences. We’ve found that people under 130 pounds generally sleep better on mattresses on the softer end of the scale, while sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds often prefer the firmer support of a bed with a 4 or 5 rating.
Innerspring and hybrid mattresses often have a higher firmness rating, while memory foam mattresses typically feel the softest. Some airbeds can also be adjusted to exceptionally soft levels.
Based on Your Sleep Position
People who prefer to sleep on their side can benefit from a soft mattress that cushions the body at high-pressure spots to keep the spine aligned.
Back and stomach sleepers typically prefer a firmer mattress with a more supportive design. They don’t require the same level of pressure relief as side sleepers, and if they sink too far into the mattress’ surface, they risk spinal misalignment and muscle strain.
Based on Your Body Type
Due to the nature of their construction, soft mattresses have a tendency to sag under weight. While the plush, sinking feel of a soft mattress is exactly what many sleepers need and want out of their bed, a soft mattress may not be the optimal choice for people who weigh more than 230 pounds — especially if they sleep on their back or stomach
How Can I Tell if My Mattress Is Too Soft or Too Firm?
If you sink deeply enough into the mattress to harm your posture, your mattress may be too soft. If you feel like you’re sleeping on hard ground or your bed doesn’t contour enough for comfort, the mattress may be too firm.
That said, if you’ve just purchased your new bed, you may need to give it time. There’s an adjustment period with all new beds, which is why many companies have a mandatory break-in period before a mattress can be returned.
How to Make Your Mattress Softer
If you already own a firm mattress and want to make it softer rather than buying a new bed, you may want to try a contouring mattress topper or pad. Both of these bedding accessories can make your sleep surface feel much softer. This is especially true of toppers, which may contain up to 4 inches of plush cushioning material.
If your mattress is relatively new, allow for a break-in period before making a change, since the surface may feel firmer than expected at first. You should also examine your mattress’ sleep trial and return policy to see what options are available to you. If the mattress doesn’t meet your needs and the company allows returns within a certain period of time, you could exchange it for a mattress with a different firmness level or try another model.
About The Author
Certified Sleep Science Coach, Director of Product Testing
David is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a lifelong passion for well-being and health optimization. His interest in sleep developed with the arrival of his son, when sleep suddenly became a precious commodity.
- POSITION: Side sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Hot Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Lion
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