Expert Guide to Mattress Firmness

When it comes to mattress shopping, one factor that tends to confuse customers is mattress firmness. With an array of mattress firmness levels available, finding the perfect balance between comfort and support can be challenging. Because there are so many misconceptions surrounding mattress firmness, people tend to question which level is right for them. 

Should I get a mattress that is firm or soft? Will a soft mattress hurt my back? How do I know which comfort level is right for me? What do I do if my partner wants a firm bed but I want a soft bed?

Our mattress experts are here to discuss all things mattress firmness, helping you understand what level is ideal for your specific needs and preferences. If you still have questions, feel free to visit any of our showrooms or contact us to get personalized answers.

Find Your Perfect Comfort Level

Shop By Comfort Level

The mattress firmness scale

Mattress firmness refers to the level of support and comfort a mattress provides. Manufacturers often use a mattress firmness scale to help consumers understand the feel of a mattress. This scale typically ranges from soft to firm with variations in between. 

Here at Texas Mattress Makers, we have six mattress comfort levels that range from ultra-soft to ultra-firm. If you come into any of our showroom locations or shop online, you will find a wide variety of mattresses that fall into these categories. With a selection as wide as this, you are destined to find your perfect mattress firmness that will feel just right. You can read more about these comfort levels and what they offer in our Mattress Buying Guide. 

So, what makes each of these levels unique? Our experts dive into who can benefit from each comfort level. However, before we do, we would like to note that each of our mattresses has its own unique feel, and if you would like to learn more about the full comfort level details and how they perform, see our mattress product pages.

Do you dream of sleeping on a cloud? Softer mattresses conform to your body as you sleep, almost as if your mattress is hugging you. 

Softer mattresses are excellent for pressure point relief as they provide cushion to your shoulders and hips. They have a cradle effect and are a great option for all sleeping positions, most loved by side and back sleepers who prefer the feeling of sinking into their mattress, while still having the support in the bottom of the mattress!

We offer two medium mattress comfort levels so that you can find a firmness that is just right. Our medium mattresses can accommodate sleepers who like a balance of a softer cushion with sturdy support. 

Medium mattresses are great options for all types of sleeping positions. Side sleepers may enjoy a medium-soft or medium feel whereas a back sleeper may prefer a medium to medium-firm mattress but this is all up to preference.

Medium-firm mattresses combine cushion that allows the body to lay on the mattress with enough resistance that you do not feel like you are sinking in.

Firm mattresses provide a stable sleeping surface so you can wake up without aches and pains. 

Who would benefit most from a firm mattress? Those who prefer a sleeping position where they are lying flat — back and stomach sleepers — will appreciate that they are lifted on top of the mattress and will not sink. Side sleepers will also benefit from a firm mattress if they enjoy the feeling of being suspended on top of the mattress.

Despite being incredibly firm, our ultra-firm comfort level allows the sleeper to have great full-body support without sacrificing comfort. Firm and ultra-firm mattresses are also excellent mattresses for heavy-weight individuals who are looking for a durable and long-lasting comfortable mattress.

What is the best firmness of mattress to sleep on?

Now that we’ve laid out the different mattress firmness options, what is the best firmness of mattress to sleep on? There is no such thing as a “best mattress firmness” level because comfort is subjective and different levels work for different people. However, there is such a thing as the best mattress firmness for your unique body type and needs. 

Is it healthier to sleep on a firm or soft mattress? One mattress’s comfort level is not going to be healthier than another objectively. The best way to ensure that you get healthy sleep is to try out a bunch of different mattresses for yourself and see what feels the best for you. From there, our experts can help you to determine the best mattress firmness for you.

Expert Tip: Try your mattress before you buy it! You can’t feel how firm something is through a computer or phone screen and pressing down onto a mattress will not give you enough information. Lay on a mattress in your preferred sleeping position for ~10-15 minutes to get an idea of if that firmness level is comfortable for you.

What level of firmness should my mattress be?

Mattresses are not one-size-fits-all, meaning that the comfort levels you prefer may not work for someone else. You might sleep better on a plush or firm mattress depending on your sleep specifications. Hear what our founder Youval and expert Rachael have to say about choosing the right mattress firmness for you. 

Determining the right mattress firmness for you depends on various factors, including your preferred sleeping position, body weight, and any specific health concerns.

• Sleeping position: How you sleep can determine what mattress firmness may benefit you best depending on which pressure points are in contact with your mattress. You want to be sure your shoulders, hips, and back are supported properly without excessive sinking but that there is still some cushion to eliminate any pain.
• Body type, height, and weight: Which type of mattress is best for my body? Where you carry your weight on your body can determine if you will prefer a softer or firmer mattress. For example, if your weight is mostly on your shoulders and upper chest, your support requirements will differ from someone whose weight is concentrated in their midsection or hips. Simply put, two people with the same overall weight may need distinct mattresses based on where their weight is distributed.
  Health concerns: Should I get a soft or firm mattress for lower back pain? If you suffer from lower back pain, a medium to firm mattress is generally recommended to provide the necessary support. However, individual preferences may vary which is why it’s crucial to consult with a mattress expert to determine what type of mattress may best suit your medical needs.

It is much easier to choose a comfort level when you shop with an expert by your side. Some customers think they want a soft mattress but end up falling in love with a medium or firm feel. Some may insist they need a harder bed but realize that you can still have comfort without sacrificing support. 

“I get severe back pain and would have difficulty sleeping. Now, I sleep like a baby thanks to my Texas Mattress Makers mattress.”

Nisa W. | Satisfied Sleeper

Before you choose a comfort level from our mattress firmness scale, you need to understand how the mattress break-in process will affect the firmness of your mattress.

The mattress break-in period: What you need to know

You may notice when you lay on your new bed for the first time that it does not feel exactly how it did in the store. Why is this?

When you buy a brand-new mattress, the components used to make up the mattress are likely to be a little stiff because they haven’t been used yet. The fresh supportive base components and the top comfort components need time to conform and adjust to your body. It’s like breaking in a new pair of shoes or a pair of jeans, the more you wear them the more comfortable they become. It’s the same concept with a new mattress. 

The mattress break-in period allows the bed to form what we call “natural body impressions” to accommodate the curves in your body throughout the night and promote proper spine alignment for quality sleep. 

How long does it take to break in a mattress? Your new mattress should begin to feel perfectly comfortable after sleeping on your mattress for 30-60 nights. However, for some people, it may take longer. That is why we offer our 90-Night Comfort Guarantee.

Our Comfort Guarantee

Some sleepers hastily attempt to return their mattresses after only a few nights without giving the mattress enough time to break in. Regardless of whether you purchase a soft, medium, or firm mattress, your bed’s components need time to adjust to you! 

Our 90-Night Comfort Guarantee allows our customers to see if their mattress is truly right for them after the mattress has been properly broken in. If you have concerns about the feel of your mattress, please contact any of our showrooms so that our experts can help you get the quality rest you deserve. 

“I’ve become a customer for life! When I reached out to them with my concerns, they replaced my bed due to their comfort guarantee. Now that my new mattress is broken in, it’s perfect. I’m recommending everyone I know!”

Mario L. | Google Review

Find Your Perfect Mattress Firmness at Texas Mattress Makers

When you are on your journey to finding the best night’s sleep, choosing the right mattress firmness for you is key. Other mattress salespeople may say that you need this or that based on outdated myths, but our mattress experts can recommend the best mattress firmness for your needs based on your sleeping position, body weight, and specific health concerns to find the perfect balance between comfort and support. 

Whether you prefer soft, medium, firm, or anything in between, the key is to prioritize your unique needs. With an expert by your side, you will be better equipped to make an informed decision to improve your sleep quality and overall well-being.

Visit any of our mattress stores in Katy, Downtown Houston, The Woodlands, Rosenberg, Humble, or Baybrook, TX to try our mattresses out in person. 

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

• Why Your New Mattress Feels Different Than In-Store
• What Type of Mattress is Best for Back Pain?
• How Do You Know When You Need a New Mattress?
• Mattress Body Impressions vs. Sagging Mattresses
• The Expert’s Guide to Mattress Accessories