Mattress Firmness Guide – Find the Feel That Fits You Best

Are you familiar with the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears? If you recall the ending, Goldilocks, after eating the bears’ food while they were away, went to their bedroom to sleep. There she found three beds. She managed to sleep on the baby bear’s bed because it was neither too soft nor too hard like the mama and papa bear’s bed. Although a children’s story, it tells us one thing about mattresses: their firmness matters, especially when it’s time to sleep.

Choosing the right firmness is one of the most important and most misunderstood parts of buying a new mattress. And the truth is, the “best” firmness isn’t one-size-fits-all. This mattress firmness guide will help you decode the differences, understand what your body actually needs, and feel confident the next time you test out a new bed, whether it’s online or in-store.

1. What Is Mattress Firmness, Really?

Mattress firmness refers to how soft or hard a mattress feels when you lie down on it. While it’s easy to think softer is better for comfort, that’s not always the case, especially when you consider spinal alignment and pressure relief.

Most brands (including mattress companies like Dr Mattress Store) rate firmness on a scale from 1 to 10:

• 1–3: Soft
• 4–6: Medium to Medium-Firm
• 7–10: Firm to Extra Firm

Each range supports different sleep positions and body types in unique ways. Let’s learn a bit more about each firmness type:

a. Soft Mattresses (1–3)

Soft mattresses are plush and allow you to sink in deeply. They’re typically made with thick comfort layers of memory foam or pillow-top materials. This style is ideal for:

• Side sleepers
• Lighter individuals under 130 lbs
• Those seeking extra pressure relief in the shoulders or hips

However, too much softness can throw your spine out of alignment, especially if you sleep on your back or stomach.

b. Medium to Medium-Firm Mattresses (4–6)

This range is the most versatile and tends to suit the widest range of sleepers. You’ll get a balance of contouring comfort and firm support. Medium-firm options are best for:

• Combination sleepers
• Couples with different sleep styles
• Average-weight sleepers (130–230 lbs)
• Back sleepers who want cushion and alignment

If you’re not sure what to get, a medium-firm mattress, like the Noltra at Dr Mattress Store, is usually a safe, supportive choice.

c. Firm to Extra-Firm Mattresses (7–10)

Firm mattresses provide a sturdy, flat surface with minimal give. These beds are great for:

• Stomach sleepers
• Heavier individuals (230+ lbs)
• People with back pain need support and softness

Keep in mind, firm doesn’t mean uncomfortable. A well-designed latex or foam mattress in this category can still offer plenty of pressure relief, without the sink.

2. How Body Type Affects Your Choice

Your weight and build significantly influence how a mattress feels. A heavier person might sink deeper into a soft bed, making it feel firmer, while a lighter person might not compress the surface much at all.

That’s why the same mattress can feel different to different people. Choosing the right firmness means accounting for your personal body mechanics, not just your sleep position.

3. Testing Firmness the Right Way

Don’t just sit on the edge of the bed in a store, lie down in your normal sleeping position for at least 10 minutes. Take your time. Are your shoulders and hips sinking in just enough? Is your spine aligned? Do you feel supported, not strained? Normally, lying down won’t help you understand how well you sleep on it, but it does give an idea of how comfortable it is. Dr Mattress Store allows you to test out our mattresses for 100 Nights, so you can choose the option that works best for you.

4. When to Rethink Your Firmness Level

Feeling stiff or sore in the morning? Waking up with back or neck pain? These are clear signs you need a new mattress, and possibly a better firmness level. You might even be sleeping hot or tossing and turning because your current bed doesn’t match your support needs.

Sleep Better by Sleeping Smarter

This mattress firmness guide covered a lot on the type of firmness as well as learning what you should pick. Choosing the perfect firmness is more about health than comfort. It’s also about support and waking up feeling great. Whether you’re shopping for the best mattress for back pain in Ontario or just want a better night’s sleep, understanding firmness helps you get there.

Take your time, test what works for you, and explore trusted stores like ours that let you find the right fit, whether it’s plush, balanced, or firm. It’s your sleep. You deserve to get it right.

If you’re anywhere in Toronto, Hamilton, Waterloo, Niagara Falls or London, then be sure to give us a call to help you pick the right mattress.