Best Soft Mattresses: 9 Supportive Options, From Hybrid to Memory Foam

Soft mattresses have a bit of a bad reputation, with many believing that the best mattresses for your back are on the firmer side. While this certainly can be the case, for a lot of sleepers—especially side sleepers, who make up around 74% of the population—a soft mattress can actually be ideal. Below, we’ve rounded up our picks for the best soft mattresses out there. Tuck yourself in and let’s get started.

Our picks for the best soft mattresses

What to consider when buying soft mattresses

Price

While mattresses are expensive, you can at least be reassured that there are frequent mattress sales throughout the year. All the major holiday sales seasons (Black Friday, New Year, Prime Days, etc) will see big reductions in mattress prices, but you can also wait until early spring, which tends to be one of the best times to buy a mattress. That’s because it’s the time of year when all of the best places to buy mattresses are clearing out their existing stock to make room for newer models.

Material

There’s more choice than ever before when it comes to what your mattress is made of, and it’s important to find the one that works best for you. Memory foam mattresses, for example, tend to be both comfortable and supportive, but they also tend to run quite warm, which can make them less suitable for hot sleepers. Generally speaking, a hybrid option that combines two or more different materials is often a good bet for striking the correct balance.

Sleeping position

How you sleep will also determine which mattress you should buy. Softer mattresses tend to be most suitable for side sleepers since they provide pressure relief in all the right places.

How we selected the best soft mattresses

We made our selections by consulting with an expert in interior design, an expert in mattress technology, and a doctor, to ensure we got advice from medical, design, and style perspectives. We also thoroughly researched each selection to make sure it had universally good customer reviews.

Types of soft mattresses

“Unfortunately, there is no industry standard for mattress firmness, which makes finding the right one challenging,” says Byron Golub, vice president of product and merchandising at Saatva. “However, most mattress companies have simplified the process using a 10-point scale to rate comfort level. Generally, the higher the number on the scale, the firmer the mattress. For example, mattresses rated 3-4 are considered soft or plush, while those rated 7-8 are firm.”

Who is a soft mattress right for?

“Soft mattresses are a great option for those who are side sleepers or have a lightweight body type,” says Purdy.

“When choosing a soft mattress, it's important to consider various factors, such as your body type, preferred sleep position, and personal preferences,” adds Golub. “Those who are heavier or prefer to sleep on their stomach may find a soft mattress uncomfortable. For couples with different preferences, dual firmness or adjustable air mattresses can be a suitable option. Another alternative is to add a soft mattress topper to an existing mattress for extra cushioning and comfort.”

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Which type of mattress is the softest?

“Pillow top mattresses are known to be the softest because of the ‘cloud-like’ support, which basically makes it feel like your body is floating,” says Purdy. When it comes to the main body of the mattress, though, Golub warns that, “No single type (innerspring, memory foam, latex, hybrid, etc.) is inherently softer than another.” So do be sure to do your research and try them out first if possible.

Is it better to sleep on a soft mattress?

The short answer is: It depends. “Because of the give in a soft mattress, it can reduce the weight you're putting on pressure points,” says Purdy. “This helps your back stay aligned and puts less pressure on the spine. But whether you like your mattress soft or firm is all down to preference of how you sleep.”

“Certain individuals benefit more from softer mattresses,” says Golub. “For side sleepers, a soft mattress is the ideal choice since it conforms to the joints and spine, providing cushioning and support for pressure points in contact with the mattress, such as the shoulder, hip, outside of the knee, and foot. A soft or plush surface is perfect, as it sinks in enough to provide pressure relief.”

“For those who prefer to sleep on their back, most mattresses, including soft mattresses, can provide a comfortable sleep option,” Golub continues. “However, they will need to ensure the mattress is supportive, keeps their spine in proper alignment, and is not too soft. Those who are lighter in weight–specifically, those who weigh less than 130 pounds–will generally feel more comfortable on a soft mattress. An excessively soft mattress can sink under the weight of a heavier person and cause discomfort.”

What is the difference between a soft and a plush mattress?

“‘Plush’ often refers to the top layer's feel, while ‘soft’ describes the overall firmness,” explains Smith. “A plush mattress can still have firm support layers beneath.”

Are soft mattresses good for your back?

“You just want to make sure you’re giving your back plenty of support since these types of mattress have more give,” says Purdy. “Soft mattresses tend to shape around your body.”

“Selecting the right mattress for back pain is essential to ensure a restful night's sleep,” adds Golub. “Contrary to popular belief, a firmer, more rigid surface is not the answer. The ideal mattress varies based on your sleeping style and body type: Those who sleep on their back should choose a somewhat firmer mattress with enough cushioning to support spinal alignment. Stomach sleepers require a medium-firm to firm mattress for pressure relief. Side sleepers should select a soft mattress that can accommodate natural curves. Combination sleepers can benefit from a medium-firm mattress with latex to facilitate movement. Other factors, such as sleeping position, body weight, and material type, also play a role in determining the best mattress for you.”

Can a soft mattress cause hip pain?

“Soft mattresses are actually beneficial for those with hip pain because of the pressure relief,” says Purdy. “This is especially true for those who sleep on their sides.”