Mattress Ratings >> Mattress Type Comparison > Mattress Firmness Levels

Mattresses and Firmness Levels → Based on Data From Over 15,000 Actual Owners

Page last updated: October 10, 2010

"Firmness" in our research refers to the firmness level of a mattress and is indicated by "soft," "medium" or "firm."

The chart below shows how mattress types compare on this issue based on owner experiences. Keep in mind that this represents what is often, but not always, the case; a particular brand, model or individual mattress may go against these findings.

Mattress Firmness Range

Innerspring

Softer

Firmer

Air

Airbeds feature adjustable firmness, allowing the firmness level to be easily adjusted by adding or removing air. Excessive firmness even on the softest setting tends to be a complaint only from owners of base models. Higher priced airbeds tend to be higher priced because they feature more and higher quality padding. As a result, they tend to be at least somewhat softer than less expensive base models.

Memory Foam

Memory foam mattresses typically are medium-firm. Excessive firmness is a complaint of about 15% of owners, especially owners of less expensive brands. Most memory foam mattresses tend to soften at least somewhat as they are heated by the sleeper's body and as the foam ages. Some pricier models feature a pillowtop which can soften the mattress significantly.

Water

Adjusting the amount of water in a waterbed can cause the firmness level to range from soft to firm. Making firmness adjustments with a waterbed, however, can take considerable time and effort.

Futons

Futons are well known for being firm, but softer varieties are available.

Latex

These beds generally feature medium-to-firm firmness levels. Excessive firmness is a complaint of about 15% of owners. It is not uncommon for an owner to use a mattress topper on a latex mattress to soften it.

Innerspring / Coil

These types of mattresses offer a wide variety of firmness levels from firm (little or no padding) to plush (some padding) to eurotop and pillow top which may feature memory foam and or latex. Of course, more padding means a higher price.