If you're in the market for a new mattress, you're likely curious about the latest mattress technology and innovations, such as TEMPUR-Breeze® or Purple's GelFlex Grid. You're probably wondering about what modern designs and newfound mattress firmnesses, also called comfort levels, are redefining how well we sleep each night.

Today, understanding the gist of the mattress comfort scale, also known as firmness level or firmness rating, is a smart step for finding a mattress that suits your body type. The mattress comfort level that has the best potential to help you sleep better is vastly influenced by your body type and sleep position.

Personal preference also plays a role in determining what the best mattress firmness is for you. Mattress comfort is entirely subjective, and part of your individual preference defines how much body contouring you prefer. How much do you feel comfortable sinking into the mattress, and how does it feel to change positions or get in or out of bed?

Choosing the best mattress firmness for you involves considering whether you prefer to sleep more 'on the mattress,' which commonly means the mattress feels firmer, or 'in the mattress,' which typically means the mattress is softer.

After all, when choosing a new mattress for yourself or someone special, it's important to select one that fits your body, allowing you to gain one of the best gifts—restful, deep sleep every night. These days, a high-quality mattress— like the handmade Aireloom M2+Luxetop™—is no longer just a luxury; it’s a necessity for the rejuvenating sleep you deserve!

Busting the Mattress Firmness Myth: Does a Firmer Mattress Really Mean Better Sleep?

Many people these days find that getting a good night's sleep has become a challenge; for others, it is a constant uphill battle. Approximately 60% of people experience difficulty sleeping, according to the National Sleep Foundations 2025 Sleep in America® Poll. They also highlight that those who get adequate sleep are more likely to thrive; they refer to this as 'flourishing,' which in turn leads to increased happiness and productivity.

If you're like the nearly 4 out of 10 individuals who find it difficult to fall asleep, you've likely been encouraged to consider finding a new mattress. Oftentimes, firm mattresses are the most recommended. However, the main goal should be to improve support and spinal alignment and find a better balance that evenly distributes body weight. Finding the right mattress firmness that also relieves pressure points is a good place to start.

Medium Mattresses Provide Generous Support and Pressure Relief Ideal For Many Body Types

If your goal is to catch up and leave all that 'sleep debt' behind, then choosing the right mattress firmness is something to consider thoughtfully as you navigate the wide world of mattress choices available today. Taking the investment in your mattress seriously is a wise decision, as sleep is a vital pillar of our health and overall well-being.

Still, many people are getting rid of an old, worn-out, sagging mattress and, unfortunately, end up choosing a new, firm one. Often hoping to gain the support they've been looking for. Today, mattress and sleep experts agree that a firm mattress isn't always the best choice for everyone.

A medium or soft mattress may be more suitable for you. Or, even better, discover mattresses with ample, firm support that provides positive resistance to align the spine while still feeling soft, cozy, and even squishy on top.

A combination of firm and soft describes mattresses in the medium comfort level; luxury firm and medium firm mattresses often fall into this category as well. Medium and firm pillow tops may also be categorized as medium on the mattress comfort scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest.

Next, a deeper dive into the mattress industries 'comfort scale' or 'firmness ratings':

Level 1-2 Extra Soft

Mattress Comfort Levels Included:

• Ultra Plush
• Plush Pillowtop
• Luxetop Soft

Extra Soft allows the sleeper to be cradled and 'sink in' for close contouring along the body's curves.

Level 3-4 Soft

Comfort Levels Included:

• Plush
• Medium Pillowtop
• Firm Pillowtop
• Luxetop Firm

Soft allows for body contouring with a lessened feeling of sinking in.

Level 5-6 Medium

Comfort Levels include:

• Luxury Firm
• Medium Firm
• Medium
• Medium Pillowtop

Medium provides conformability combined with some 'positive resistance' or 'push-back support.'

Level 7-8 Medium Firm

Comfort Levels Include:

• Firm
• Medium Firm

Medium Firm offers a slightly less cushioned and firmer surface, still providing some 'sinking in' and body contouring.

Level 9-10 The Firmest

Comfort Levels include:

• Ultra Firm
• Extra Firm

The firmest mattress choices offer maximum resistance, 'push-back support,' and a more rigid surface that may feel hard, with minimal conformability or 'sinkage.'

Understanding Mattress Support Needs Based on Body Type and Sleep Position

Is your back stiff and sore from sleeping on a mattress that doesn't feel good or fit you well? Perhaps it's been a while since you've addressed signs of aging or other changes in body type and their impact on our health and sleep quality.

If your mattress is relatively new and you're still not sleeping well, it could be too firm, especially if you're a side sleeper. Now, are you still curious about what the best firmness for a mattress is?

Mattresses with a medium firmness—such as Avocado Luxury Organic Medium and Beautyrest Black Series Three Medium Pillowtop—are generally considered within the most satisfactory comfort level.

A mattress with medium support or firm support—such as the Beautyrest Black Series Three Firm Pillowtop — is ideal for neutralizing the spine, relieving tension or discomfort, and keeping the hips from sinking in too far while maintaining proper alignment with the spine. But, if the surface of the mattress is too firm or hard, you will likely notice discomfort along the hips, shoulders, or lower back from pressure points and inadequate circulation.

Here is a quick study of mattress firmnesses as commonly related to and recommended for each sleep position:

Side Sleeping

• Petite to Average Body Types-
  • Medium Level 5-6
  • Soft Level 3-4
  • Extra Soft Level 1-2
• Average Body Types-
  • Medium Level 5-6
  • Soft Level 3-4
• Large, XLarge, Muscular Body Types-
  • Medium Firm Level 7-8
  • Extra Firm Level 9-10

Back Sleeping

• Petite Body Types-
  • Medium Level 5-6
  • Soft Level 3-4
• Average Body Types-
  • Medium Firm Level 7-8
  • Medium Level 5-6
  • Soft Level 3-4
• Large, XLarge, or Muscular Body Types-
  • Medium Firm Level 7-8
  • Extra Firm Level 8-10

Stomach Sleeping

• Petite body types-
  • Medium Firm Level 7-8
  • Medium Level 5-6
  • Soft Level 3-4
• Average body types-
  • Medium Firm Level 7-8
  • Medium Level 5-6
• Large, XLarge, or Muscular Body Types-
  • Medium Firm Level 7-8
  • Extra Firm Level 8-10

Today, more people tend to buy a 'too firm' mattress as opposed to a 'too soft' mattress. Many take into account that the mattress will soften up over time. Still, you don't want to force yourself through a mattress 'break-in period' that lasts several years to begin feeling comfortable and sleeping well halfway through the mattress's life cycle.

As you navigate choosing the best mattress firmness, you'll want to consider adjustable firmness mattresses like:

• Smart Beds by Instant Comfort: Daily adjustable comfort with 45 different firmness levels to choose from.
• SmartLife by King Koil: With patented Body Sensing Technology that adjusts to each unique body shape, height, and weight. Monitors and adjusts to provide proper support and pressure relief, regardless of the preferred sleep position.

Likewise, medium, luxury firm, and firm pillow tops—often work wonders for side and back sleepers, as well as people with petite and heavier bodies. Top-rated medium, luxury firm, and their pillowtop versions include:

• Aireloom Streamline™ Luxury Firm Handmade Mattress
  
• TEMPUR LuxeBreeze® Medium Hybrid
  
• Beautyrest Black Series Three Medium Pillowtop
  
• Posh + Lavish Fusion Latex Mattress
  
• Serta Perfect Sleeper Medium Pillowtop X Quilted Mattress
  
• Sealy Posturepedic® Elite Medium and Firm EuroTop

Nevertheless, it’s wise to consider your options carefully. You'll definitely want to try out mattresses before buying one, as mattress firmnesses are also relative to the quality and brand.

Discover the Best Mattress Firmness Options For a Better Night's Sleep at Mattress World Northwest!

Now, imagine when you go to bed, your desire to sleep better becomes a reality! At Mattress World Northwest, an expertly curated assortment of choices from top brands like Purple, Tempur-Pedic, Avocado, Serta, and Beautyrest will help ease the shopping experience—with a Comfort Guarantee— and help you find the right mattress for you. There’s also financing options and a Comfort Guarantee when you buy your mattress here.

Mattress World Northwest locations are your one-stop shop for all things related to sleep—adjustable beds, mattresses, pillows, luxury toppers, protectors, and sheets are all included.

Offering an unbeatable selection of handmade quality and top-rated mattress brands, this family and community-oriented mattress store is here to be your expert guide toward finding the ideal mattress firmness—the perfect mattress comfort level tailored to your body type and shape.

Now, Mattress World Northwest ought to be your top choice for stores that give you the confidence to reach your goal of better sleep with the ideal mattress firmness!