The 2026 Guide to Choosing the Perfect Mattress Firmness: Soft, Medium or Firm?
Right then, love. If you’ve ever stood in a mattress shop poking beds like you’re inspecting fruit for ripeness, you’re not alone. Mattress firmness baffles more people than tea without milk. Soft? Medium? Firm? Extra firm? What does it all actually mean and which one should YOU be kipping on?
Well, pop your slippers on and get comfy, because this is your official 2026 guide to choosing the perfect firmness level for your sleep style, body needs and bedtime habits. No jargon, no nonsense, just proper Yorkshire clarity with a sprinkle of Funkybedz sass.
Before we dive in, remember this: the firmness sweet spot depends on YOU. Your body weight, sleeping position and even your bed base (whether it’s a lush Upholstered Bed or a chunky Wooden Bed) all influence the feel of the mattress.
What Mattress Firmness Actually Means
Let’s sort this out first. Firmness isn’t the same as support. A mattress can feel soft but still support your spine beautifully; it can feel firm but leave you waking up like you’ve been hit with a cricket bat if it doesn’t suit your body weight.
Firmness is basically the “first feel”,how cushioned or sturdy it feels when you lie down. Most mattresses fall into one of these categories:
- Soft – sinks in, plush, marshmallow-like comfort.
- Medium – balanced, supportive with gentle cushioning.
- Medium-firm – supportive but not rock-hard.
- Firm – solid, minimal sink, feels sturdy.
Now let's see which one suits your snoozing style.
Soft Mattresses: Perfect for Side Sleepers & Cushion Cravers
Soft mattresses are like sleeping on a cloud that gives you a hug. They allow your hips and shoulders to sink in nicely, keeping your spine aligned if you’re a side sleeper.
Soft Is Ideal For:
- Side sleepers who need pressure relief
- Lightweight sleepers under 9 stone (approx. 57kg)
- People who love a cosy, cocoon-like feel
But if you're a heavier sleeper, soft may cause too much sink and leave you waking up with backache. No one wants that.
Medium Mattresses: Britain’s Favourite for a Reason
If you’re not sure what you need, medium firmness is the trusty cuppa tea of mattresses—works for almost everyone. It balances cushioning and support, which is why it’s the most popular choice in the UK.
Medium Is Best For:
- Combination sleepers (side, back, and mid-night starfish transformations)
- Couples with different sleep styles
- Average-weight sleepers (9–14 stone)
A medium mattress works beautifully on most frames, including divans and ottomans from our Beds Collection.
Medium-Firm Mattresses: The Best of Both Worlds
Medium-firm is for those who want a bit more support but don’t fancy sleeping on something that feels like a plank. It’s ideal for back sleepers and anyone who wakes up with lower back stiffness.
Medium-Firm Is Ideal For:
- Back sleepers needing lumbar support
- People with mild back discomfort
- Heavier sleepers who find medium too soft
Firm Mattresses: For Support Seekers & Stomach Sleepers
Firm mattresses don’t mess about—they’re sturdy, structured and stop your hips from dipping if you sleep on your front. They also help maintain spinal alignment for heavier sleepers.
Firm Is Ideal For:
- Front sleepers
- Heavier sleepers (over 16 stone)
- Anyone who likes a mattress that “pushes back”
If you sleep on a firm mattress on a solid base, such as a platform-style bed or a hard wooden slat frame, prepare for extra firmness. A cushioned base, like a divan, softens the feel.
What If You and Your Partner Prefer Different Firmness Levels?
Ah, the classic bedtime battle. One wants soft as a teddy bear; the other wants firm as a pub bench. What do you do?
Here’s your solution:
- Choose a medium or medium-firm mattress—your safest compromise
- Consider using a topper on one side for personalised comfort
- Or go fancy with “split tension” mattresses if you buy a super king
Pop a lovely new King Size Bed underneath it and you’ll both enjoy blissful space and comfort.
Your Body Weight Matters More Than You Think
It’s not rude, love—it’s just science. The heavier you are, the deeper you’ll sink into a mattress. This is why firmness must match YOU.
| Your Weight | Ideal Firmness |
|---|---|
| Under 9 stone | Soft or Medium |
| 9–14 stone | Medium or Medium-Firm |
| 14–18+ stone | Medium-Firm or Firm |
See? It’s not guesswork—it’s proper, practical Yorkshire logic.
Does Your Bed Base Change the Firmness?
Absolutely, chuck. Pop a mattress on sprung slats and it’ll feel softer. Stick the same mattress on solid slats or a platform base and it’ll feel firmer.
So if you’ve ever thought “this mattress felt softer in the shop”… that’ll be why.
Mattress Firmness for Common Sleep Problems
Lower Back Pain
Go for a medium-firm. Too soft won’t support you; too firm won’t relieve pressure.
Shoulder or Hip Pain
Choose soft or medium. You want contouring, not compression.
Snoring
Try medium or medium-firm with good spinal alignment. Also, maybe stop sleeping like a collapsed snowman.
Overheating at Night
Firm mattresses trap less heat—but material matters more than firmness. Hybrid and airflow foams win the cooling battle.
Top Tips Before You Choose
- Always check trial periods if available
- Pair your mattress with the right bed frame
- Don’t pick firmness based on what others like—choose for YOU
- Think long-term comfort, not quick showroom impressions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a medium mattress good for back pain?
Medium-firm is usually best, but medium is great for lighter sleepers.
Is a firm mattress better for heavier people?
Generally yes, because firmer surfaces stop over-sinking.
Do soft mattresses cause back pain?
Only if they’re too soft for your body weight or sleep position.
Can a mattress feel firmer at home?
Aye—it depends on your bed base, not just the mattress.
What firmness is best for side sleepers?
Soft or medium for pressure relief.
