Soft, Medium or Firm? How to Choose Mattress Firmness
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Firmness is personal, but there are a few simple rules that will point most people in the right direction. The two biggest factors are how you sleep and how much you weigh.
Firmness by sleeping position
| Position | Usually suits | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Side | Soft to medium | Lets the shoulder and hip sink in |
| Back | Medium to firm | Supports the natural curve of the lower back |
| Front | Firm | Stops the hips sinking and arching the back |
| Combination | Medium | Comfortable in every position and easy to move on |
Firmness by body weight
Heavier people press further into a mattress, so the same mattress feels softer to them. As a rough guide, if you're lighter than average, consider going one step softer; if you're heavier, consider one step firmer.
Firm doesn't automatically mean better for your back
A mattress that's too firm can create pressure points and leave gaps under your lower back. What matters is that your spine stays in a neutral line. For many people, a medium feel with good pocket spring support does that best.
Couples who like different feels
If you can't agree, medium is usually the best compromise. A pocket sprung mattress also helps, because each side responds independently.
Choose your firmness at Noxsi
The Essential, Luxe and Signature come in Soft, Medium or Firm. If you're unsure, message us with your height, weight and sleeping position and we'll recommend one. And if it still isn't right after 30 nights, our 100 night comfort exchange lets you swap once for a different firmness.