Firm or soft mattress: how to know which is best for you

You wake up with back pain and start wondering whether the mattress is too hard or perhaps too soft? That question is more common than you might think and the right answer depends a lot on your body, how you sleep and how you feel when you wake up.

Choosing a mattress is not just a matter of personal preference, it is a matter of health. And no, there is no one‑size‑fits‑all solution. That is why in this article we will guide you through the differences between firm and soft mattresses, explain the pros and cons of each, and give practical tips to help you discover what works best for you.

What does it mean for a mattress to be firm or soft?

Let’s simplify this concept: a firm mattress offers more resistance when you lie down, you feel like you remain on top. A soft mattress, on the other hand, lets you sink in more easily, you feel like you enter into it.

But keep in mind, firmness does not equal quality and softness does not mean a lack of support. A good mattress should balance comfort and support, regardless of its firmness level.

Do you sleep on your side, on your back or on your stomach?

The position you sleep in has a big influence on the type of mattress that suits you best. For example:

Sleeping on your side 

Increases pressure on the shoulders and hips. A softer mattress helps alleviate that pressure and keep your spine aligned.

Sleeping on your back 

Requires a mattress that properly supports the lumbar region without letting the body sink. A medium‑firm mattress usually works better.

Sleeping on your stomach 

Can cause spine arching if the mattress is too soft. A firmer model can help prevent discomfort.

Useful tip: lie down on your side on a mattress and ask someone to check if your spine is straight from shoulders to hips. If it is not, the mattress might not be providing the right support.

Pros and cons of firm mattresses

Firm mattresses can offer better support for individuals with more body weight they help keep the spine aligned especially for back or stomach sleepers and can reduce lower‑back pain caused by lack of support.

On the downside they can cause discomfort in higher‑pressure areas like shoulders and hips and for lighter people they may feel too hard and prevent muscle relaxation.

Pros and cons of soft mattresses

Soft mattresses contour better to the body relieving pressure points and suit side sleepers or those with joint pain. They provide a hugging sensation that many find comforting.

However for heavier individuals they may sag too much and misalign the spine and depending on the materials used they can retain more heat.

Looking for a middle ground?

Thankfully there are mattresses that offer the right balance neither too hard nor overly soft.

👉 Mattresses with multiple layers (foam plus pocket‑springs plus memory foam for example) manage to combine firmness with adaptability. Models with comfort zones where firmness varies across the surface are excellent for properly supporting your most vulnerable areas.

 

A mattress that does not force you to choose

At Budwing we believe that the right mattress is the one that supports your body and your rest rather than the other way around. That is why we offer several options that adapt to different firmness levels and personal preferences.

For example:

• BioHybrid combines memory foam with latex ideal for those wanting both support and softness.
• Hybrid Max offers balanced firmness and stability with pocket springs perfect for those seeking support without rigidity.
• Ergopressure was designed for those needing precision and total pressure relief featuring advanced memory foam.

If you still have doubts you can use our free mattress diagnosis tool where all you need to do is answer a few questions about your body and sleep habits and we will give you a personalised recommendation.

🔗 Try your mattress diagnosis here

 

The final test: how to tell if the mattress is right for you

Imagine you have just woken up. Ask yourself:

• Did you sleep well or wake up several times during the night?
• Do you experience pain in your lower back neck or shoulders?
• Do you feel like you slept on something supportive or that you sank too much?

If your body complains when you wake up, the mattress may not be doing its job.

 

Why this matters

Sleeping on the wrong mattress affects more than just rest. It can impact your mood concentration energy and even your spine health. A good mattress is a daily investment every night for every day.

As sleep expert Matthew Walker says “sleep is the most effective thing we can do to restore brain and body health.”

What next?

If you are thinking about replacing your mattress do not focus solely on firmness. Think about what your body needs how you sleep and the awakening signals you receive.

The right mattress is not the hardest or the softest but the one that makes you feel like you are finally resting as you deserve.

And if you need help deciding at Budwing you will always find someone from our team ready to answer questions and guide your choice. Because rest is serious business and it truly deserves comfort.