Buying a mattress online can be incredibly convenient, but choosing the wrong firmness level is one of the most common mistakes people make. At Luxe Mattresses, we’ve helped thousands of customers sleep better by guiding them through the right firmness based on their unique body type, sleep habits, and health needs. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about mattress firmness, and how our AI Mattress Selection Quiz can match you with your ideal comfort level.
Choosing the wrong mattress firmness can negatively impact both your sleep quality and overall health. A mattress that’s too soft may cause your spine to sink out of alignment, leading to back or neck pain, while one that’s too firm can create pressure points around your hips and shoulders, especially for side sleepers. This discomfort often results in restless nights, interrupted sleep, and even worsened conditions like joint pain or sleep apnea. Over time, poor sleep can affect your mood, energy levels, and physical wellbeing, making it essential to select a firmness level tailored to your body type and sleeping position.
Why Do So Many People Choose the Wrong Mattress Firmness?
When shopping online, it’s difficult to judge how a mattress actually feels. What’s described as “medium-firm” on one website might feel too soft or too rigid in person. Unfortunately, this mismatch leads to poor sleep quality, back or neck pain, and dissatisfaction.
According to customer support data across the industry, over 40% of mattress returns or exchanges are due to incorrect firmness selection. This is why understanding firmness and your own sleep needs is critical before making a purchase.
What Does Mattress Firmness Actually Mean?
Mattress firmness refers to how soft or hard a mattress feels when you lie on it. It’s not the same as support, firmness is the surface feel, while support relates to how well the mattress keeps your spine aligned.
Most brands (including Luxe Mattresses) use a firmness scale from 1 to 10:
- 1 = extremely soft (plush like a pillow top)
- 5 = medium firmness (balanced comfort and support)
- 10 = extra firm (very hard and flat surface)
Firmness preference is subjective, but it can be guided by measurable factors like body weight, sleep position, and health conditions.
Factors That Influence the Right Firmness for You
1. Body Weight
- Under 9 stone (60 kg): Lighter individuals tend to prefer soft to medium mattresses (3–5), as they don’t sink as deeply.
- 9–14 stone (60–90 kg): Average-weight individuals often find medium to medium-firm (5–6) most comfortable.
- Over 14 stone (90+ kg): Heavier individuals benefit from medium-firm to firm mattresses (6–8) to avoid too much sinkage.
2. Sleeping Position
- Side sleepers: Need softer to medium mattresses (4–6) to cushion shoulders and hips.
- Back sleepers: Do best on medium to medium-firm (5–7) for balanced support.
- Stomach sleepers: Typically require firm surfaces (7–9) to prevent lower back strain.
3. Health Issues or Pain
- Lower back pain: Often relieved by medium-firm options (5–7)
- Arthritis or joint pain: Softer tops (3–5) reduce pressure on sensitive areas
- Sleep apnea or snoring: A firmer surface may support better breathing posture
4. Mattress Materials
Different materials feel firmer or softer even at the same scale rating:
- Memory foam: Molds to the body and feels softer over time
- Latex: Naturally firmer and more responsive
- Hybrid mattresses: Combine springs and foam for a balanced feel
Firmness Recommendations by Sleep Type
| Sleep Style | Weight Range | Ideal Firmness | Recommended Feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side Sleeper | Light – Average | 4–6 | Soft–Medium |
| Side Sleeper | Heavy | 6–7 | Medium–Firm |
| Back Sleeper | Light – Average | 5–7 | Medium–Medium Firm |
| Back Sleeper | Heavy | 6–8 | Medium Firm–Firm |
| Stomach Sleeper | All weights | 7–9 | Firm–Extra Firm |
| Combination Sleeper | All weights | 5–7 | Medium to Medium Firm |
Why Our AI Mattress Quiz Is Better Than Guesswork
To help you avoid the costly mistake of choosing the wrong firmness, we’ve built an intelligent Mattress Selection Quiz powered by real customer data and sleep science. In under a minute, the quiz analyses:
- Your height and weight
- Your primary sleep position
- Whether you sleep hot or cold
- Whether you share a bed
- Any health or back pain issues
The tool then instantly recommends the ideal firmness and Luxe mattress model tailored to your profile.
Find Your Perfect Mattress Firmness
Discover the ideal mattress firmness for your sleep position, body type, and support needs — backed by sleep science.
Take the Assessment →Our Firmness Guarantee
At Luxe Mattresses, we understand that mattress shopping can feel uncertain — especially online. That’s why we offer a 100-night exchange trial. If you’re not happy with the firmness, you can exchange your mattress for another model or firmness level within 100 nights.
Still unsure? Our support team is happy to guide you further. Just drop us a message or take the quiz for a personalised recommendation.
Don’t guess your way to a good night’s sleep. Let Luxe Mattresses help you find the right firmness — effortlessly, intelligently, and risk-free.
Roman is a seasoned expert in mattress development with over a decade of experience in sleep technology, material innovation, and product engineering. He has played a key role in designing and refining sleep solutions for leading mattress brands, with a deep focus on ergonomics, pressure relief, and sleep quality optimization.
With a background in product design and biomechanics, Roman combines scientific research with hands-on development to create mattresses that address real-world sleep issues—from spinal alignment to temperature regulation. His work has contributed to several award-winning mattress lines known for their comfort, durability, and user satisfaction.
