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The Comfort Guide

Soft, Medium, Firm or Extra Firm –
Which One Is Right For You?

Ask most people what mattress they want and they’ll say ‘something comfortable’. Ask us and we’ll ask you a few questions first. Comfort isn’t one-size-fits-all, it’s a combination of your weight, your sleeping position and your personal preference. Get it right and you’ll wake up feeling genuinely refreshed. Get it wrong and you’ll know about it in the morning.

What Are Comfort Levels?

Comfort level refers to how soft or firm a mattress feels when you lie on it. It’s determined by the materials used in the comfort layers, not the springs underneath. A higher spring count doesn’t mean a softer mattress; it means better support.

The comfort layers on top are what dictate the feel. Most mattresses fall into four categories: Soft, Medium, Firm and Extra Firm. Some sit between two – Medium/Firm, for example, giving you a little more nuance when one category doesn’t quite fit.

Body Weight

Your body weight plays a significant role in how a mattress feels. Lighter sleepers tend to sit on top of the comfort layers, meaning a softer mattress may actually feel firmer to them – and a firm mattress may feel extremely hard. Heavier sleepers sink further into the surface, which can make a soft mattress feel overly enveloping.

As a general rule: lighter sleepers are often more comfortable on soft to medium; heavier sleepers tend to prefer medium/firm to firm. But always let your own comfort be the final guide.

Sleeping positions

The position you sleep in affects where pressure builds up, and therefore, what kind of support you need. Side sleepers place more pressure on hips and shoulders, and often benefit from a softer mattress that cushions those contact points.

Back sleepers need even support along the full length of the spine (medium to firm typically works wel). Front sleepers need a firmer surface to prevent the hips from sinking, which can strain the lower back. Many people move between positions, in which case a medium tension is often the most versatile choice.

Finding The Right Comfort Level With Sleepeezee

Not sure where to start? Here’s a quick breakdown of what each comfort level actually feels like, and who it tends to suit best.