How To Choose the Best Soft Mattress In 3 Simple Steps
Choosing the perfect mattress can be a delicate art. You want affordability, quality, and durability without the confusion a large purchase takes.
We’re here to take the uncertainty out of your mattress shopping and help you make the best decision for you. Here, we’ll talk about;
- What makes a soft mattress?
- How do you know if your mattress is too soft?
- Who is a soft mattress for?
- Is a soft mattress good for side sleepers?
- Tips on how to pick the best soft mattress
We'll also be breaking down in a simple 3 step guide, how to find the best soft mattress for a perfect night's sleep.
If you think a soft mattress is right for you then look for a mattress firmness rating between 1 to 5.5 extra-soft to medium
What Are Soft Mattresses Good For?
You may be wondering what the term soft mattress even means, are all mattresses soft? To a degree yes.
Mattress firmness is rated from a scale of 1-10 with 1 being polar bear’s tummy soft (aka a super soft mattress) and 10 being extremely firm and hard as a tortoiseshell. This industry rating is there to help you determine the perfect mattress softness for you. You’ll find this rating on your online retailer’s website.
A soft mattress must be supportive to offer any relief from back pain
If you think a soft mattress is right for you then look for a mattress firmness rating between 1 to 5.5 extra-soft to medium. This level should provide that soft feel you’re looking for and could ease aches and pains without the sagging effect that makes you feel unsupported.
A quality soft mattress should offer a comfortable and cozy feel but support your bodyweight effectively.
How Do You Know if Your mattress Is Too Soft?
- You wake up with lower back pain or a sore neck
- Difficulty getting comfortable in bed
- Feel like you’re sinking into a mattress swamp
- Struggle to climb out of bed
Are Soft Mattresses Good for Your Back?
A soft mattress must be supportive to offer any relief from back pain.
If you’re a stomach or back sleeper, some super soft mattresses may not be ideal because your neck and lower back will sink into the mattress.
Side sleepers enjoy soft mattresses because the hips and shoulders sink into the material and allow a more contoured sleep form.
Soft mattresses are a great choice for those who love that plush sinking feeling when in bed
What Is the Best Soft Mattress?
- The best soft mattress will be comfortable without the feeling of sinkage
- Offer cooling pressure relief
- Be made without heat-trapping chemicals
- Be affordable
- Be durable and include at least a 10-year warranty
Soft mattresses are a great choice for those who love that plush sinking feeling when in bed. But it’s important to choose a mattress that also offers superior pressure relief while providing the comfort level you crave. Soft mattresses are good for those who;
- Sleep on their side
- Need extra comfort
- Need targeted support
- Enjoy the feeling of a soft mattress
A side sleeper is someone who sleeps on their right or left side. To find out if you’re a side sleeper, check out our guide here.
Side sleepers need targeted support in the hip and shoulder areas. Since their body weight is being supported by these sensitive areas, it’s vital to choose a soft mattress that contours your body while supporting these areas for a restful sleep.
If you’re a side sleeper and you’re waking with aches and pains every morning, it could be due to the inadequate support of your mattress.
It’s advisable to search for a mattress that is soft yet supportive because you may need that extra support in the future
If you need targeted support such as that of a side sleeper, a soft mattress with extra pressure relief could be the ideal choice.
With the advancement of modern sleep health technology and new mattress materials, it’s possible to find a modern mattress without having to rely on old mattress technology such as memory foam or coiled spring mattresses.
While these have a place and are suitable for some sleepers, a modern problem requires a modern solution.
Some people enjoy the feel of a soft mattress and do not need any special targeted support. For those, it’s still advisable to search for a mattress that is soft yet supportive because you may need that extra support in the future.
A soft mattress is ideal for side sleepers. Those who need extra comfort, those who need targeted support, and those who enjoy the feeling of being enveloped in a luscious soft bed.
Heavier side sleepers only need to look for a soft mattress that offers both support and pressure relief
Why Are Soft Mattresses Good for Side Sleepers?
Side sleepers are a special bunch and need a special kind of mattress to bring comfortable restful sleep.
Most side sleepers opt for a soft mattress because it allows their hips and shoulders to sink, thus their spine is more optimally aligned.
Heavier side sleepers may have a tough time choosing between a firm or soft mattress. Many believe that they need a more firm mattress to accommodate their weight but this is not true.
Heavier side sleepers only need to look for a soft mattress that offers both support and pressure relief. The added pressure relief in a soft mattress ensures a comfortable sleep and if your mattress is made with modern materials, it would also provide proper support and have a longer lifespan too.
A soft mattress that offers both support and pressure relief is great for side sleepers regardless of their weight.
When shopping for a new mattress online you’ll quickly discover the wealth of choice available
Soft Mattresses are Good for Side Sleepers Because:
- They provide essential support to the sensitive hip and shoulder areas
- The spine is appropriately aligned in a soft and supportive mattress
- If the mattress is made with modern materials and technology it will sleep cooler and be more durable
- They provide comfortable support to ease aches and pains
- They bring a feeling of comfort that is relaxing and sleep-inducing
How to Pick the Best Soft Mattress
When shopping for a new mattress online you’ll quickly discover the wealth of choice available. With extensive options, you’ll find many affordable choices.
Although it may seem overwhelming, there are 3 steps to consider for you to pick the best soft mattress that suits your needs.
Step 1: Pick Your Mattress Type
Do you prefer memory foam, poly-foam, gel, innerspring, latex, hybrid, or AirFoam™ mattresses?
Memory foam mattresses are widely available and in almost every online mattress store. Memory foam has been around since the disco era and considered to be a staple in the industry. Although for many, memory foam sleeps hot due to the viscoelastic chemicals. A soft memory foam mattress is often known to retain body heat and create a sinking effect, even the most plush memory foam mattress could be capable of this. Thus, it may not be a great option for those who need targeted support.
Poly-foam is the material that you would find in a couch cushion. A poly-foam mattress could be a viable option for those who are searching for a budget-friendly, short term mattress.
Gel mattresses are memory foam that has added cooling gels that may counteract the traditional heat-trapping nature of memory foam.
Innerspring mattresses have been around since the 1800s and still available today (and thankfully have been upgraded) these are metal coil mattresses that are topped with fibers or foam.
Latex mattresses are another popular choice and a very durable option.
Hybrid mattresses are a pocketed coil base (think innerspring wrapped in individual cotton pockets) and topped with a layer of memory foam. These are a relatively modern option and could offer lower motion transfer than stand-alone memory foam. Unfortunately, hybrid mattresses can run as expensive as latex mattresses.
AirFoam™ mattresses are made with new and innovative mattress material, AirFoam™. It offers the softness of memory foam but made without any heat-trapping chemicals. It offers superior pressure relief, is more cooling, and more durable than memory foam. It is often the ideal option for those who need targeted support and a cooling, durable mattress.
We recommend buying your new mattress online because the trial will save you time, effort, and money
Step 2: Find a Retailer
We recommend buying your new mattress online because the trial will save you time, effort, and money.
It’s a common standard for online mattress retailers to offer at least 100-nights in-home trial.
If your online mattress store doesn’t have this option, you could end up with an unsuitable mattress.
Ensure your retailer also offers free delivery and free return. Avoid online retailers who do not offer at least a 100-night trial with free delivery and easy returns. If a finance option is available, it will allow you to pay for the perfect mattress in increments, making it a lot more affordable.
Step 3: Enjoy and Test Your Mattress
Your new mattress is meant to be enjoyed, it’s meant to bring you comfort and restful sleep. If your new mattress is unsuitable, avoid any disputes by returning it within the trial.
Make a note in your calendar or set a reminder on your phone so you are prompted for the return date.
Ensure your mattress is soft yet supportive, doesn’t sleep hot, and is made of modern, durable material.
- Choose a mattress that you think will be suitable for your needs
- Shop with an online retailer that will give you at least 100-nights to try the mattress in your home with free delivery and easy returns
- Opt for financing with your retailer if your chosen mattress is just out of budget
- Take note of the warranty, it should be at least 10 years
- Take note that the mattress is made of modern and durable material
- Opt for a mattress that is made without heat-trapping memory foam chemicals
How to Pick the Best Soft Mattress for Side Sleepers
You don’t need to buy the softest memory foam mattress on the market to ensure quality sleep.
There are new mattress materials that offer better cooling and more support than memory foam.
The best soft mattress for side sleepers is a mattress that is responsive to the sensitive hip and shoulder areas. Pressure relief in these areas is vital to the comfort of side sleepers.
So make sure your new mattress has adequate pressure relief, is made from cooling material without heat-trapping chemicals, and is durable.
Sleeping hot is a typical complaint among some who sleep on memory foam, some poly-foam, and hybrid mattresses
How to Pick the Best Soft Mattress for Hot Sleepers
Sleeping hot is a typical complaint among some who sleep on memory foam, some poly-foam, and hybrid mattresses.
If you find yourself sweating in bed every night, then this could be due to your mattress containing viscoelastic memory foam chemicals. These heat-trapping chemicals, exclusive to memory foam, trap your body heat and don’t release it, which is why you sleep hot.
The best soft mattress for hot sleepers is a mattress made from a breathable material such as AirFoam™ which is made without heat-trapping chemicals. A modern solution to a problem faced by many.
5 Tips and Reminders for Choosing the Best Soft Mattress
Finding the best soft mattress for you doesn’t need to be a difficult task. When shopping online for a new mattress;
- Ensure you’re dealing with a reputable company, check that they offer at least 100-nights trial and at least 10-year warranty
- Choose a soft mattress that offers pressure relief
- Avoid mattresses that contain heat-trapping chemicals
- Consider your budget and don't feel pressured to overspend. If your desired mattress is slightly out of budget, ask your online retailer if they have a favorable financing option
- Don’t stress! If you realize you’ve chosen the wrong mattress then your retailer should offer an easy and hassle-free return policy
Now that you know a soft mattress is the one you’re looking for, it’s time to channel your inner polar bear in your hunt for the perfect soft mattress.
Determine your sleep style first because this will not only narrow your search but you'll end up with a more comfortable mattress.
If you’re keen to try the newest innovation in sleep health because memory foam mattresses have disappointed you, see here how AirFoam™ stacks up against memory foam.
Above all, ensure you’re dealing with a reputable company that puts your comfort first. An in-home trial is vital in your decision-making process. It will ensure you have found a company that appreciates you and values your sleep health.
