How to Choose the Right Mattress Firmness for Your Sleep Position

Finding Your Perfect Mattress Firmness

Choosing the right mattress firmness is one of the most important decisions you'll make when buying a new mattress. The wrong firmness level can lead to poor sleep quality, back pain, and discomfort. At Best Beds, we help hundreds of customers find their ideal firmness level based on their sleep position, body type, and personal preferences.

Understanding the Firmness Scale

Mattress firmness is typically rated on a scale from 1 to 10:

• 1-2: Extra Soft - Very plush, significant sinkage
• 3-4: Soft - Plush comfort with moderate sinkage
• 5-6: Medium - Balanced comfort and support
• 7-8: Firm - Minimal sinkage, strong support
• 9-10: Extra Firm - Very little give, maximum support

Firmness by Sleep Position

Side Sleepers (Soft to Medium: 4-6)

Side sleepers need cushioning for shoulders and hips to prevent pressure buildup. A softer to medium mattress allows these pressure points to sink in while maintaining spinal alignment. If you wake up with shoulder or hip pain, your mattress may be too firm.

Back Sleepers (Medium to Firm: 5-7)

Back sleepers benefit from medium to firm support that maintains the natural curve of the lower back. Too soft and your hips sink too much; too firm and you lose lumbar support. Medium-firm is often the sweet spot for back sleepers.

Stomach Sleepers (Firm to Extra Firm: 7-9)

Stomach sleepers need firmer support to prevent the hips from sinking and causing lower back hyperextension. A firm mattress keeps your spine aligned and prevents morning back pain.

Combination Sleepers (Medium: 5-6)

If you change positions throughout the night, a medium firmness provides versatility for all sleep positions without being too soft or too firm in any one position.

Body Weight Considerations

Your body weight significantly affects how firm a mattress feels:

• Under 60kg: May prefer softer mattresses (3-5) as they won't sink as much
• 60-90kg: Medium firmness (5-6) typically works well
• Over 90kg: Firmer mattresses (7-8) provide better support and prevent excessive sinkage

Common Firmness Mistakes

Assuming Firm is Always Better

Many people believe firmer mattresses are healthier for your back, but this isn't always true. The right firmness depends on your sleep position and body type. Too firm can create pressure points and poor spinal alignment.

Not Considering Your Partner

If you share a bed, you may need to compromise on firmness or consider a mattress with dual firmness zones. Medium firmness often works well for couples with different preferences.

Ignoring the Break-In Period

New mattresses need 30-60 days to break in and conform to your body. Don't judge firmness on the first night—give it time to settle.

Testing Firmness at Best Beds

The best way to find your ideal firmness is to test mattresses in person. Visit our Melbourne showroom to:

• Lie down on different firmness levels in your preferred sleep position
• Spend at least 10-15 minutes on each mattress
• Get expert recommendations from our team
• Compare pocket spring, hybrid, and foam options

Shop by Firmness at Best Beds

We organize our mattresses by firmness level to make shopping easier:

• Soft Mattresses: Plush comfort for side sleepers
• Medium Mattresses: Balanced support for most sleepers
• Firm Mattresses: Strong support for back and stomach sleepers
• Extra Firm Mattresses: Maximum support for heavier individuals

Still Not Sure?

If you're unsure about firmness, contact our team for personalized recommendations. We'll ask about your sleep position, body type, and any pain issues to help you find the perfect mattress.

Visit our Melbourne showroom or shop online at Best Beds for quality mattresses in every firmness level.